This is an archived page. Please click here to return to the current page

AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Through the eyes of a child: It's fun down here ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/13/2012 02:59:00 AM ----- BODY:

We've all heard the story about the truck driver who got his vehicle stuck under the bridge. He gets out wondering how he is ever going to tell his boss it can't come out when a child who had been observing the muttering said - why don't you let the air out of the tyres...

Sometimes we can be too "adult" in our thinking, especially when it comes to creative endeavours.

Have you ever seen a child at play? Recently that is?

It's fascinating - they can create games out of nothing, and conjour up new toys made with elements of others. They test, they break things down and start again, they take things apart to see how things work and so what they don't always go back together again - they don't really care when they are exploring the world with their creative genius. They don't care if their paintings are created using "proper" colours or that their animals have 3 legs or 10, to them the world can be anything they want.

What do we do as adults?

Tell them to colour between the lines, we tell them houses can't be green with pink spots and trees are always green ...

When did we get so up ourselves that we think we're right all the time. In their imaginary world the trees might be brown and the trunks red for all we know - they need to be that colour to hide the lesser spotted brown furry thing hiding from its enemies in the purple grass below.

Do you have a particular issue or problem facing you at the moment? Of course you do, we wouldn't be sensible adults if we didn't have a problem or an issue to chew over now would we?

Well here's a radical thought - how would a child handle it?

Well for starters you probably wouldn't be sitting at a desk in front of a computer, you'd probably be sitting on the floor with a piece of paper and a crayon or two. Assuming you're not out "playing" on the swings that is (well it is school holidays here, they're allowed)... When was the last time you sat on the floor with a piece of paper and a box of crayons and doodled?

Come to think of it, when did you last sit on a swing and let the world fly past as you created your new world?

What would be the most outrageous solution to your "problem"?

A few weeks ago I asked you to think about a question

"How can I ..."

Think about this as a child would - how can I double my income -

can i do two paper rounds instead of one? can I get more lawnmowing clients? can I get my friends to help me? can I get them to do the physical work while I go and get more people? don't buy so many sweets (candy), get mum to buy me my sweets, get dad to buy me some too - hey I like sweets, ask mum and dad for a raise in pocket money ...

How can I lose 20lbs ...

Ok I'll stop eating the sweets; maybe I should ride my bike more; I wonder if Grace wants to come out and play (she has sweets - oh that's right I'm not eating sweets)

How much more would you get accomplished during your next meeting if you kicked off your shoes, pushed the chairs and tables out of the way, sat on the floor and got out the toys? Think that's a rather strange way of looking at the world. Well consider children's clothes and shoe shops. Most of the time, these places aren't designing for their main clientele, but their rather larger parents. If you get down to their height - that could be either kneeling or sitting flat on one's rear ends BTW ... how much can you see? How bored are you going to be? You want new shoes, WHERE ARE THEY?

How about a children's library section?

But this isn't just about designing for children, rather to get you to think differently about the world you inhabit.

We can be forgiven for thinking life is a serious matter, after all none of us come out of it alive - but wouldn't it be fun if we can stop thinking about it for a while ...

Turn things on its head - go on, it's fun - especially upside down :-D

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Living your life in symphony STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions DATE: 11/19/2011 03:00:00 AM ----- BODY:

When everything is going well, your life is like a well constructed piece of music - everything in it's place and a place for everything. You move effortlessly from task to task, like fingers flying over the keys. Any piece of music is possible when you are in this frame of mind, you have boundless energy, life is amazing AND you are enjoying every moment of it.

Then something knocks you out of your "tune" of thought, "life" they say, sometimes gets in the way. We find it hard to hit the right keys, everything seems jumbled, like you are just hitting the keys in any random pattern. Sometimes you make music, sometimes though it's just a wall of sound.

I can't remember the last time my life played like a symphony. It's not that I like disharmony you understand, but the fact that I am constantly pushing myself to do new things, try something different. Change things around.

When that happens of course, our fingers don't know the correct notes we have to play. We have to look at our hands and the music score to see what we are doing or trying to do. We have to practice, we get things wrong, we hit the wrong keys, we get frustrated, and sometimes if we don't master the new score, we go back to our old familiar piece of music.

So what can you do?

Well, you don't have to change everything at once. We are of course coming up to that awful time of the year agan. I am of course talking about New Year's Resolutions. This is where we decide that we hate everything about our lives and decide we are going to change EVERRYTHING - and I do mean everything. 

We throw away the old scores, nope not playing those again. I am going to bite the bullet and learn that uber difficult piece I've said I would learn one day, then my life will be perfect.

What if I were to tell you there was another way - yes the challenge. One day at a time, we can choose to try something new. We don't have to throw everything away. What we do, is that we keep the symphony playing in the background, but we add new pieces to the scores of our repertoire each day. Believe me, it's a much easier and faster way of getting more out of life.

With many thoughts and beautiful pieces of music to follow

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A penny for your thoughts: swapping the SWOT for a better idea STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Project Management CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Sales Strategies DATE: 10/28/2011 10:32:09 AM ----- BODY:

How much is a good idea worth to you if you are struggling with a thorny issue or problem?

We skirt around the issue, trying to avoid looking directly into its eyes for fear of - what exactly? We are a funny lot aren't we.

The truth of the matter is, we usually know what needs to be done, the trouble is we rarely like the advice we are given (even if it is to ourselves). But there are times when we don't know what the answers are, because we don't know how to frame the question.

I've said many times, when you are faced with an issue or problem and don't know what to do - pretend it is a colleague or a family member who is struggling, and then offer them the benefit of your thoughts (advice). Of course everyone will have a different set of "advice" to offer, so it is down to us to choose which of the ideas we are willing to take on board, and use, and which we will dismiss out of hand. Ooh good - more reasons to procrastinate, "well I have to evaluate each idea and ... "

But what if it is a group problem? Or you need to think abstractly, can anything be done then?

Well we all know about brainstorming, how many of us haven't sat around a table and thrown ideas around? We also know and have probably used the dreaded SWOT analysis - and for those who have been blessed not to have been subjected to this process, it stands for:

strengths
weaknesses
opportunities and
threats

Truthfully, we all know what words we need to put into these 4 categories, we recite them like the timestables back in junior school, then promptly forget about the "issue" until the next round of meetings and planning days.

But what if there was another way to get creative at work, and elsewhere? As Daniel Pink found out recently there is a wealth of creativity out there, we just have to find it ...

Daniel Pink | NYT and WSJ Bestselling Author of Drive

On the first floor of the (e)merge art fair, Washington DC, Athena Robles and Anna Stein, two Brooklyn artists, set up an installation called The Idea Store.

The premise was simple. People who visited a makeshift storefront – could fill out a card offering an idea and get paid a penny for it. Robles and Stein then placed the card on the kind of rack you might find at a Hallmark store. Then other visitors could select an idea from the rack and purchase it for two cents.

A penny for your thoughts?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge Program Days 60 - 51: Are we there yet? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/31/2011 11:28:59 AM ----- BODY:

For those who are enjoying Halloween, be safe and don't eat all the sugary stuff in one go ... I'd prefer to give fruit - but the kids just look at you very strangely...

But now onto this part of the 100 day challenge:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 60 - 51

Are we there yet?

*******************************

Day 40 of our journey and you could be forgiven for wanting the challenge to be over. "What do you mean there are another 60 days to go" said in an altogether whiny voice ...

You get those kinds of feelings, especially if your goals are not well defined, or you've had setbacks. It may seem like a trite cliche, but setbacks are a normal part of the growth cycle we go through. But it only becomes a problem if we don't pick ourselves up and go again.

Now, you can of course continue to carry on, on your own, but that can seem like we're trying to nail jelly to a tree. My advice - get help. First off I would get a receptacle to hold the jelly, then I would nail that to the tree ...

Kidding

Actually I was only joking about the jelly bit, the suggestion to "get help" if you need to is a very serious one.

For instance, I have coaches, personal trainers and editors. These people keep me on track when I don't want to keep on, keeping on, when I'm tired, sick or just need a personal kick up the wazoo. Yes, even me. But it doesn't have to be people you've met. Most of you wouldn't know me if you fell over me in the street, yet you trust me enough to be in your mailbox on a semi-regular basis. Truth is, we don't have to meet the authors, the speakers / trainers or be on speaking terms with the priest to get the benefit of their thoughts, ideas and yes - spiritual counseling if that is what we feel we need. We don't even have to go to a personal trainer if we have the discipline to do our daily workout in front of the TV, but sometimes it is a good idea to have face-to-face time with someone, some of the time. I lerve my personal trainer, she says things like

"we'll start with the 15 kilos, just to see how you go ..."

followed by - "hmm, you need to stand on the step because you're so flexible you won't get the stretch in the hams if you don't, oh and here's 20 kilos, we'll stay relatively light" got to love hilary.

Why do I have a personal trainer as well as a normal gym membership AND continue to do my own workouts as well? Hilary gives me the boot up the wazoo I need, she pushes me to try things I wouldn't dream of doing on my own, then I get to practice these things at the gym. The reason why I also do "other" stuff on top of my 4 x weights sessions? Because I sit down for most of the day and neeeeed to move. Trainers, coaches and mentors can help us when we are feeling stuck.

So:

Today's action steps:

1. Read: I am a big believer in the power of the written word. We don't have time to read everything there is to read - so we have to be selective. Go to your personal library, now this could be a shelf in a closet that holds your books, or a room dedicated to the collection, but I would like you to scan the titles - and allow your mind to tell you which one you need to read. It will be the title that jumps out at you...  And if you are one of the few people who doesn't have a book somewhere in the house (and yes I have heard there are a few people out there *shakes head in disbelief* ) then it will be a little harder for you - but you can find some good ones online - project gutenberg for instance. Now bearing in mind these are out of copyright print books, so you won't find the latest best sellers, but you will find some amazing books listed. For instance - http://gutenberg.net.au/biography.html is the list of biographies and autobiographies it has in its Australian collection. In it there are books on Edison and Franklin, James Cook and T E Lawrence's book "the seven pillars of wisdom" for instance, and that is just a few of the titles it has. Check them out, it is a fabulous resource - and free of course. Or you can use that other amazing and free resource - your public library. If you read just one chapter a day you can read many books over the course of the challenge. And in these words you may find the inspiration you need to push forwards to bigger and better things.

2. Find a coach or mentor for at least one area where you feel stuck: Assuming you don't have one that is. But you may need help with a business issue, or you might want to join a runners group that will help you prepare for a marathon. Always wanted to learn a language or a specific software program - then why not join a class? Or how about losing 30 pounds - then you might want to join weight watchers or some other program...

You don't have to go it alone, and when you make a commitment to another person, or group of people - I can guarantee this - you will reach your goals a whole lot faster.

To your continued success

Elle

p.s. it's now time for me to go and put on my witchy outfit and scare the littlies ...

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Step into the role STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/14/2011 07:42:00 AM ----- BODY:

Uggh, seems like my brain just doesn't want to gel at the moment - I'm reading stuff, but it's just not sticking.

I worry about the "normal" working day, you know the 8-5 routine that businesses say is an effective use of time. Well I don't know anyone who can switch it on at 8 and turn it off at 5 and be productive for the gap in between. OK there are times when you can just churn through it, but is that a good use of the hours you have been given? I know that when I force myself to write during those times, actually these times, I will discard 9/10ths of what I write and edit like crazy the last bit. So why force it? Why bother?

Well, sometimes near enough really is good enough.

But sometimes I drive myself crazy trying to craft the perfect piece of prose when in reality it doesn't have to be perfect just completed. As I have found out many times a couple of days later when I've read back some of the words I thought I had written, only to find out they weren't as good as I thought.

Ah the life of a writer.

One of the comments my partner said to me in a fit of the frustrations was:

"Just do it, step into the role and be ..."

And of course that is what we should all be doing. Are you a painter or someone who would like to get the paints out when he has the time. Or what about the aspiring photographer who never remembers to take their camera with them. How are you going to be THAT person, you know the one you say you want to be, if you don't step into the role?

One of the reasons I feel is that we don't want to be "found out"

What if I'm not good enough we ask ourselves. What if they can tell I'm a fraud, that I'm really no good at this.

Says who?

As you know there will be people who tell you repeatedly that you are not good enough. If they shut up for five minutes, we all have our own little critic sitting on our shoulders whispering in our ears. Hear him? You're not good enough, who do you think you are?

Now, do me a favour, hold up your right hand. Now using your index finger I want you to reach across to your left shoulder and POKE HIM ON THE NOSE. Poke him hard enough and he's going to fall off.

Anyone else having a fit of the giggles at the thought our critic now sitting with a bruised rump and a sore nose on the floor behind us.

Right, now he's off nursing his bruised ego, we can get on with whatever it was we said we wanted to do.

We can do amazing things, if we allow ourselves to step into the role and be that person. And the beauty of it is - we can play more than one role if we have the desire and the passion to do so. And anyone who says we can't, well they're probably not stepping into their roles either. 

Which role are you going to step into today?

 

 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Create a headline of the future and a challengers update STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/02/2011 11:38:02 AM ----- BODY:

* Today's daily dose: Create a headline of the future
* 100 day challenge update: A challengers update
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 2nd November 2011
---------------------------
Today I would like you to create a headline of your future.

Then I want you to write the story behind the headline ...

What would your story say?

Would it be a rags to riches story, or a story of overcoming unsurmountable odds to achieve something amazing. Or would it be, A grade student drops out of high school and becomes a drug dealer to feed drug habit ... as always the choice is ours to make.

Elle

p.s. if you want to get really creative, choose a magazine you read and gain inspiration from, and create a mockup of "your" cover. Whenever you need inspiration (when you are feeling down and unmotivated) take a good look at the cover and read your story. It should make for compelling reading. And if it doesn't then you need to change your story so it does.

---------------------------
100 day challenge update: A challengers update
---------------------------
I received this very wonderful message from one of the birthday challengers. Remember, one of the people who received a copy of the 100 day challenge, if they could give me a good reason why they needed a copy. Well I will leave the rest of this message to my challenger. Excellent - and keep up the good work.

I am doing well on the 100 day challenge.  My main goal is to lose weight and so far in these first 40 days I have managed to introduce the following into my daily routine:

- toning exercises in the morning

- an early am and late pm time slot for doing one or two tasks

- only checking email twice a day in the time slots above

- putting the dishes away from the draining board before I go to bed (makes such a difference when I come down in the morning!)

- a 20 minute DVD workout 3 times a week

- have lost 5lbs so far

- minimum of 10000 steps per day

I am human and have had some rubbish days (like yesterday with it seeming like computers and housework being against me!!) but overall I am pretty pleased I have achieved this.  Still working on tweaking some of my other habits - namely some of the coffee &cake ones, which, by omitting them would speed up my weight loss - but for a serial procrastinator, I think I am doing pretty well!!

So thank you and have a brilliant day!!

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Never this different, never this wonderful STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 11/04/2011 05:26:41 AM ----- BODY:

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" Emerson

And if you want to see something that is both "great" and enthusiastic then have I found THE story for you. I don't think Jason McElwain will be warming the bench next season.


 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Shark bait; and our desire to be taken seriously STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/07/2011 12:38:12 PM ----- BODY:

Would you get up at the crack of dawn on a rain promised Sunday to hit the beach and the surf to train? Hmmm I'm not sure I would, I don't mind the sand bit, AND I would like to see a shark in the wild, just not up close and personal. But more on that in a moment.

I've just come back from listening to author and psychologist Hugh Mackay at the State Library of Western Australia's spring season of author talks. Hugh's new book of which I now have a signed copy :-) looks at the 10 desires that drives us. Hugh's interesting talk covered so much ground that I am going to need to read the book before I can begin to understand the complexity of what does make us tick, but as soon as I have, I will let you in on the findings. But back to Sunday -

It's Sunday morning, we're stuffed full of coffee and brekky and sitting on the sea wall at one of the local beaches.

It's a cloudy day, yet the beach and surrounds are packed with people.

Kids ranging from tinies to teenagers were practising their surf life saving drills. Badly performed sit ups (they'll probably regret those in their 30's I thought) followed by swimming out to a marker some 50 metres out to sea. This is in an ocean where just recently 2 people have become breakfast for lurking sharks. Big sharks at that, the 2 cruising around one of the offshore islands were over 5 metres long and could take any of these littlies in a single gulp and still have room for dessert. Do sharks eat dessert? You get my point - these kids didn't care. Or if they did, peer pressure and maybe overachieving parents sorted out the weak (errr I mean sensible) from the ...

And then there was a group of young women on the beach in front of us. 14 women with an average age of 26 towing ropes and car tyres through rain soaked sand. Check out the pic



We wanted to wander down to the breaker, so we hoisted ourselves off our comfy perch and headed across the sand. One of the women had bailed and was sitting, chest heaving ...

"Boot camp?" we asked
"No this is special triathlon training... we paid for this torture" she groaned.

The drill sergeant didn't let up. I'm pretty fit, but I'm sure I would have struggled, and if you will excuse me probably lost my breakfast too. Thank goodness I'd done my workout before eating :-)

As they headed up to the grass and core body exercises, we had a chance to have a quick chat with a few of them:

it turns out, everyone's motivation was different.

* I've always wanted to do a triathlon, but didn't want to train with blokes, then I found WAT - (I looked them up when I got home - Women's Academy of Triathlons http://http://www.wat.net.au) 7 weeks to train for a triathlon, I can do 7 weeks (if I can get over my fear of being munched)
* My doctor told me to lose weight, I was struggling with the diet and didn't want to do just the normal gym stuff, so decided to challenge myself - and it is a challenge, but great fun
* My friend did it, and she got so fit I thought I'd give it a go
* I needed to lose the baby weight, and thought - why not ...

I know for a fact that what motivates you today, may not motivate you tomorrow. What motivates you, may not motivate your family or your work colleagues or neighbours, it's personal. But when you know what you want and are willing to put in the effort, then the results are always going to show up. And that takes me quite nicely back to something that Hugh said tonight. There is, he says, one overriding desire and that is the desire that says "I want to be taken seriously". What better way to let the world know you want to be taken seriously than to train for and then compete in a triathlon. I wonder if there are non-ocean swimming bits?

With many interesting thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me! The 100 Day Challenge Program - Days 50-41 - Goodness how the time has flewn STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/11/2011 11:42:44 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 50 - 41

Goodness how the time has flewn

*******************************

“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
― Dr. Seuss

Have you been keeping an eye on the date,

yes I'm late

challenge day was yesterday not today,

but today it had to become

because yesterday my computer was home

but I wasn't there to turn it on

50 days have already gone.

That's a month and two thirds if you're still playing along.
And not everyone can or will.

I'm glad that I didn't send the challenge yesterday because I read an article today from Ron White which I want to share part of with you,

Ron Says

"Do you know what a Navy SEAL is? Basically, an Olympic athlete with a gun.

Probably 5% of the world's population has the physical ability to become a SEAL. I would guess that less than 2% have the mental toughness and maybe 1% have both.

When you make the effort to become a SEAL, you enter a program called BUDS. This is a multi-week program designed to get rid of the mentally weak and physically inadequate. A typical BUDS class might have 150 men and only 20 will complete the program. You might ask, 'What happened to the other 130 men? Were they kicked out or asked to leave?' The answer is... neither.

When you enter BUDS it is because you have prepared for this program for years. You don't just decide one day that you are going to become a SEAL. You dream about it and plan for it for years, just to get to this point. Do you know how you leave BUDS? You walk over to a bell and ring it and when you leave it is your decision. You see, 150 men will enter a program that they have prepared for years and then in just a matter of days or weeks, they ring a bell and say to the world, 'I am not cut out for this. I quit. I give up on my dream.'  http://www.success.com/ronwhite/ezine/2011/november/rw_159_web.html

WOW

How do you get the mental toughness that says, I can do this, I can anything and everything I put my mind too.

How?

If elite soldiers can't do it, then how on earth can I?

When I saw that figure I didn't focus on the 130 who failed, but the fact that out of each class there will be 20 or so people who WILL make it. They have the desire, they have the ability and they have the mental toughness that says "I am damn good at what I do, and my results speak for themselves"

How about you?

Are you going to give up now and press the bell that allows you to leave the room, or are you going to keep going to the end? Only you can decide.

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Fall down 7 times, get up 8 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Success and Failure DATE: 11/16/2011 06:14:24 AM ----- BODY:

There are of course, the counter:

And what about us?

I have been knocked down so many times I've lost count:

It isn't that we fail that is the problem, someties the problems is that we fail to begin, and sometimes when we do, we fail to keep going when we know we should dig deep and go harder.

I was sent something today that I would like to share with you, it's called the dash - the dash is the line that sits between 2 dates... in this case birth and death. It's only a couple of minutes long, but worth the click through. As you ponder your own "dash" I'd also like to throw in a couple more thoughts for you.

As we all know that time will pass regardless of whether we decide to use it constructively or not. Whether we work on our goals and dreams or whether we fritter it away like some celebrities spend money. At the end, it's how we spent "the dash" that really counts.

In the words of one memorable song "I get knocked down, I get up again" how about you?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day Challenge Program Days 40-31: Stop playing it safe STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/21/2011 11:51:38 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 40 - 31

We're getting there ... stop playing it safe

******************************

STOP?!

Yes I did say stop. I know I've asked you to have 1 day completely off the challenge every 10 days, and the why is important:-

When you plan any kind of long term goal, you must take into account stops along the way. You simply cannot drive for 9 days straight without a break. Besides which your car will probably break down sooner than you if you do that.

And so it is with any kind of journey. Can you imagine reaching your destination (goal) and someone asked what you had seen on the way, what you had achieved, and what you had gained from the journey. What would your answer be?

Well nothing. I drove from there to here. I've arrived, now it's time to have a bit of fun... but goodness I'm tired - where do I sleep?

They look at you incredulously and say - what? You saw nothing? Did nothing? Planned stops along the way to see ...

Nope, didn't have time. I had this goal and I just had to work on it every single day in order to get here.

Whoa - Hasn't anyone told you that the journey is all part of the fun of achieving the goal? You can't just get to your destination and expect to feel good about it if you didn't appreciate what you had to do to get here. I mean what's the point. I mean that's like saying - when I reach my target weight, I'll be happy. Or when I save my first million I'll be happy...

I do wonder for instance at these pre-packaged weight loss meals - everything you need to lose weight is delivered to you neatly wrapped in portion sizes. You make your selection from the names on the packaging and stick it into the microwave to cook. You open the package, pour the contents onto your plate and eat. Please, can someone tell me how this is going to help your long term weight management plan? You are not learning how to cook foods properly, read nutritional labels, choose the fresh produce you are going to be using that day, nor are you educating your mind as to what you should be doing from here on in. it should be a weigh of life, not a "diet" you start on one day and finish on another. You may have your destination all planned in advance, but the journey through trial and error, through re-discovering foods and tastebuds, culinary skills and meal times with the family is sadly lacking.

Or what about the organisations who tell you they can increase your business for only $X per month - hand over your cheque book and we'll drive the business to you.

Am I saying you shouldn't enlist help?

No I'm not, and if you remember I did suggest you do just that - just the right kind of help. There is ample evidence to prove that if you have coaches and mentors, trainers and nutritional consultants you will get to your destination a lot faster. But I don't agree with the so-called silver bullets and magic mushroom solutions to goal achievement - where is the achievement if all we had to do is pop a pill and voila ...

So as you work through the next 10 days of the challenge, I would like to challenge you to think about the journey as well as the destination. Are you experiencing as much as you can along the way or are you simply hell bent on getting to December 31st so I stop nagging you?

Sorry it doesn't work that way :-D

I remember reading one of those internet things doing the rounds, it went something along the lines of:

The goal of life is not to end up with a well preserved pretty body. The goal is to cross the finish line used up, burned out, a bar of chocolate in one hand, bottle of champers in the other, skidding in sideways screaming "Wow! What a ride!"

In other words, where is the fun if all you ever do is play it safe.

Elle
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Beverley EMAIL: IP: 86.130.65.32 URL: DATE: 11/21/2011 07:31:53 PM Not sure how you do it but you seem to always send out the right kind of motivation and you seem to know exactly how I am feeling right at that moment! Spooky but thank you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: http://www.motivateme.info DATE: 11/23/2011 01:16:20 AM Ah - we read minds :-D

Glad it was exactly what you needed at this time

Speak soon

Elle ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Andrew Clarke EMAIL: IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: DATE: 11/23/2011 01:19:19 AM Hey Elle, just wanted to say thanks for all the support. Things going nicely here - I'll reveal all at the end!

Heard a grittier variation on the life goal quote - please excuse the language:

"The way to live your life is such that on the day of your funeral your mourners should be stood by your grave and as they gently lower your coffin you turn up late, slide across the gravel, drop in the box & while pulling down the lid declare 'F* me, that was brilliant!'"

That's always made me smile :-)

Keep up the good work, it's made a difference to me.

Andrew. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Being thankful for the little things STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Motivation to improve diet and health CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 11/23/2011 12:29:06 PM ----- BODY:

I was speaking to one of our trainees today. He was justifiably proud of his achievement to date, though less than happy with having to achieve the goal in the first place.

Phil said he had spent 6 years sitting down, and after buying yet another and larger set of clothes he decided he had better do something, especially when a colleague asked him what he currently weighed. To not put too fine a point on it, they weighed him on a set of industrial scales and topped them at over 150 kilos. But that wasn't the only thing that staggered him. No - the real eye opener came when he stopped to watch 3 people lift a package weighing just a few kilos more onto the same scale. He knew he had to do something.

But that something wasn't drastic.

He made some simple decisions -
* he wrote down what he ate, and didn't like what he saw
* instead of catching the bus to work every day, the same bus that dropped him off at the office door, whereby he walked the 50 metres to his desk and sat down - he caught the train and walked the several kilometres to and from his desk
* he took the stairs instead of the elevator

and over a 4 month period has dropped a wonderful and healthy 22 kilos. He admits he still has a way to go, but he's hoping the newly refurbished gym at his workplace will allow him more opportunities to exercise so he can burn the fat and tone the flab over the top (his words).

Phil made the decision to be thankful for his health and the fact that his previous diet, while leaving him unfit and overweight had not done any serious damage, and he was young enough to deal with it. What can I say Phil, you are a legend.

Simple things. Nothing drastic. BUT MASSIVE DIFFERENCES.

A little while ago, I set a forum together to try and counter the amazing amount of negativity that is surrounding the world at the moment. If you haven't been over for a while, there are some wonderful examples of people being thankful for simple things. There are also some extremely profound things people are being thankful for every day. If you would like to add just 1 thing you are thankful for today - you can add your comments here - http://www.motivateme.info/tell-me-one-good-thing/

This of course is a timely message for those who are celebrating thanksgiving. Personally I prefer to be thankful on more than one day of the year :-D but it is a great idea to stop and reflect on what you do have, while you pursue everything that you wamt. And that is a good idea for everyone, regardless of where you live.

So my wish for you - is that everyday can be a happy and blessed one

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I'll get around to that one day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action DATE: 11/26/2011 07:05:25 AM ----- BODY:

I drive a lot of miles each week, consequently you get to see a lot of 'stuff'. But the thing that stuck in my mind the most was written on the bumper of a 4WD which said "the road to one day, leads to the town of nowhere"

I'm sure we can  or all be guilty of saying "I'll get around to that one day" and must confess that if I do say or think that, I stop and question why that "one day" is not today. Of course there are some ideas that need careful planning and consideration, or logistically it cannot be completed that day. With that in mind, we are not necessarily talking tasks but goal items.

A for instance :

Opening a new business - this is not something which can be achieved in a single day. You cannot say "right, today I am going to open that shop I have always wanted to run" nice sentiment but the preparation does take some time before the shop can actually open. And just off the top of my head, the following needs to be addressed first:

Where?
What will you sell?
Is there a market for it?
How are you going to finance it? Do you need to talk to the bank?
What is it going to be called - have you registered the business name? What about Tax, Insurance, Workers Compensation and Public Liabilities.
Do you need a licence of some sort?
How many staff are you going to need? Coffee shops for instance need people who can make decent coffee, others need to deliver it to tables or are you going to make them wait? etc etc
Who are your suppliers?
Marketing  - you cannot open a store without some form of advertising and promotion
What about a web presence?

And a dozen other items that crop up once you begin the process of opening a new business ...

Are you guilty of saying "I'll get around to that one day"

Why not today?

Elle

p.s. there are several towns called "nowhere" and there are 2 variations in Australia called "Nowhere Else" http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/holidaytype/weird/655118/a-z-of-unusual-australian-place-names if you're interested.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: He had a 7 year plan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Homework Motivation CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 11/28/2011 12:19:38 PM ----- BODY:

Over the years of writing the Daily Dose I have heard some amazing stories from people who read these emails.

Of people who have given up the jobs, of people overcoming unsurmountable odds to achieve goals, selling houses to travel round the world. And I'm sure if we counted up the number of pounds people have lost we could probably make several new people as a result...

Well, a couple of weeks ago, one of the readers of the daily dose sent me an email. I asked if I could share his story with you, thankfully he said yes ...

I'll let Kevin take over:

I am a computer security / development consultant working on contract to ----------------- in New Zealand.  As well as working full time, with a family and teenage daughters, I am attending university doing a part time postgraduate study.  I am working through a seven year plan to transition out from behind a computer on a desk to working in outdoor education with at risk youths.

As part of my studies, I have had to do more writing than I am comfortable with.  And added stress this year has been the earthquakes in my home Christchurch.  Earthquake fatigue is a whole new syndrome.

My last university assignment to complete my course was interrupted with a request from my best friend to build a "boat themed coffin" for his terminally ill father who was previously a fisherman, a person who never paid much attention to what was conventional.  As with anybody who's best friend asks for help, the answer was of course.  Well the coffin was built in time, but the last written assignment was not.  Life does not always accommodate all that we need to do.  Fortunately the university was supportive and said to apply for an extension.  The response is not back yet, but it does not matter, I did my best."

And that is all that matters - we do our best. It may not always be good enough for some people, and I hope the University granted the extension. But that is all we can do, and that is all we can ever hope to do... OUR BEST.

In my subsequent conversation with Kevin, I asked if he had any photographs of the boat shaped coffin - and yes he did. As I remarked to him, maybe there should be another career consideration - themed funerals. We all know we are going to leave our earthly bodies at some point in the future - what a wonderful statement to make. I may have to go, but I am going to go out in my own way ... Would you like to see the pics?

Kevin, you are an inspiration, and with a fixed time line to make the transition, knowing what steps you need to take and by when, there is no doubt you will achieve any goal you set your heart and mind to.

Can you say the same thing about your goals? What about your longer term plans? I think we can all learn a lot from people like Kevin.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge Program Days 30 - 21 Travelogues or Can you remember what you have achieved? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/01/2011 08:38:54 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 30 - 21

Travelogues
Can you remember what you have achieved?

******************************

As a kid I used to keep a diary, I used to write things in it like

"Great day today" or "One of the best days of my life"

And I have no idea why or what I did on those particular days that would tell me, (now years later) what it was that made those days so special. Rather than being a special memory of my childhood, all they were, were a series of bound and dated books with random and meaningless statements in them.

I threw them away.

My diaries and journals of recent times tell me EXACTLY what happened, when and on what day the "special" event occurred. It takes me a few minutes at the end of each day to write down the significant events and is a good way of getting rid of things from my mind that may have (in the past) kept me awake trying to work out just what I needed to do next / forget about completely.

Once a week I go back and read each daily entry and make a note of anything profound or special, and notes to take forward into the following week. Then I list any significant achievements. Every month I look at the weekly list. And once a year I do a round up of the entire year.

Why would I bother? Why should you bother?

Well a statement I wrote to facebook last week went something along the lines of

"I don't feel like I have achieved anything of significance this year"

And then I stopped and began to re-read what I HAD achieved.

One of the problems I have to say for me is this year has been one of fits and starts. My engine has not been running as smoothly as I would normally like - hence my feeling of not having done enough. But my diaries and day books help me put things into perspective. I have for instance achieved around a dozen items off my bucket list this year :-) My diaries and journals - remind me.

If you don't have a note book already - please buy one... I use a combination of a small bound one that I carry in my handbag (purse), a bound legal sized (or A4) notepad as my day book and whatever bound size (usually half legal / A5) for my main diary...

AND

I use them.

For those of you who have a copy of the 100 day challenge itself, this can be a very useful tool - but you can make use of a day book or calendar in the same way.

Over the next 10 days and before the rush of the festivities hit, could you review the last 70 days. Yes we are THAT close to the end of the year and answer the questions listed above.

With an additional one - what could you have done differently to make the journey easier for you. As you can imagine this single review can assist you over the last 30 days of this challene. But if you get into the habit of reviewing each week, you can take this one technique forwards with you - and as you review, reflect and re-challenge yourself, you will find yourself achieving far more as a result. I also find it a great way of boosting my self esteem.

If you were in any doubt of your abilities - this review will prove to you, that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Oh and while we are in the process of reviewing our own achievements, could you spend some time and  write a thank you note to everyone who has helped you in some way during this challenge, and if you can this year - this is where the diary comes in handy :-)

We can all be forgiven for being busy, but this one simple yet profound act can and will make a huge difference to both you and the person you are thanking. Not only will you realise just how lucky you are, but how much you have to be thankful for.

Thank you

Elle

p.s. what did I mean by travelogues?

Well consider if your journey could be told as a story you would like to tell your kids and grandkids in the future - would you be able to remember the journey without the notes to guide you. How about a documentary of your incredible journey? Would your story be worth showing or do you need to add a little spice to the adventure... just a thought.






----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Practice what you preach STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 12/04/2011 02:38:07 PM ----- BODY:

I was at a 90th birthday party last night. I tell you, those 90 year olds know how to have a good time.

It's been 10 years since I last saw some of the people - and to be fair it will probably be another 10 years til I see some of them again ... Yes I've made sure I'm on the invite list for the 100th.

But what was interesting, wasn't the party per se, just one lady - and no, not the birthday girl. As with all parties, where you don't see the friends of friends for some time, there is some catching up to do, and the usual round of "and what do you do?"

Well, one rather rotund lady said

"I'm a dietician"

REALLY?

It's a good job I wasn't drinking at the time she said it ...

I'm sorry, but there is no way I would be able to take dieting and health advice from someone who obviously doesn't practice what she preaches. Which of course got me thinking - as it does.

Do we always practice what we preach?

One of the things I am proud of is the fact that I NEVER ask anyone, including you, to do something I am not prepared to do myself. And sometimes to my own detriment if truth be told. As you know I have spinal issues, and I knew that last week's gym challenge to climb Jacobs Ladder was going to be painful. But I did it. And yes I suffered most of the week as a result. Did I forgo the rest of my training last week? Nope, my personal trainer, was brilliant (she's also a dietician - and I should take her advice) we worked on the bits that weren't sore. By Wednesday I was almost able to walk again. And so - back to group training.

So, some food for thought - if you'll excuse the pun

We are constantly being judged. By our kids, by our peers, our clients, family and friends. Consider the school kids, I'm sure every child in every classroom around the world would be able to do a passable imitation of their teachers for instance... so what are those same kids, our kids, saying about us?

Over the course of the next couple of days I would ask you to take a good look at what you do, what you say and how you say it. Are you practising what you preach? Because it's as obvious as the obese woman who doesn't take her own advice if you're not.

With many thoughts

Elle


---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Childhood Obesity Statistics EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 118.67.238.194 URL: http://www.fightobesity.net/articles/obesity-in-children DATE: 12/06/2011 08:41:14 AM Motivation is the only thing keeps people alive.If you will keep yourself motivated then you will always be very success full & also full of life.It is really an interesting information you are sharing here with us.

http://www.fightobesity.net/articles/obesity-in-children ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle DATE: 12/07/2011 02:32:20 PM You're welcome. All I can hope to do is make people ask questions. If I can do that, then I figure I've done my job... the rest as they say is up to the rest of us ...

Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge Program Days 20 - 11 -The Final Stretch STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/11/2011 06:59:04 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 20 - 11

The Final Stretch
**************************************
"The Waiting Place:

Waiting for a train to go.
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.

"Everyone is just waiting."

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting." Dr Seuss

Except you.

As you have traveled the last 80 days, I'm sure you will have noticed how many people are doing just that. Waiting. Waiting for the right moment, the perfect time, for someone's permission so you can do something. Waiting ...

*twiddles thumbs*

But I hope as you have traversed the pit stops, the highs, the lows, the successes and the setbacks - you will have found some way to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go again. That's all it takes, the single decision that today you are not going to wait for the perfect "anything" because today can be perfect if we want it to be.

We really are on the last stretch of this challenge. You can off course now say well I've come this far I'm going to carry on regardless, or you can ring the bell and leave the room - the ultimate decision is always yours to make. HOWEVER, with the daily disciplines you have now created, you probably won't need to take a day / week / month off because your challenges and your goals have become the habit we were hoping for way back in September.

By the way, when everyone else is trying to find their motivation to begin working on their New Year's Revolutions on January 1st - you won't need to worry, because you'll be coming off several major successes, and ready to go again.

Deep breath challengers, the final stretch is ahead. Time to push just that little harder?

Elle


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Keep your promises STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Role Models CATEGORY: Sales Strategies DATE: 12/14/2011 11:51:06 AM ----- BODY:

I believe it is all about integrity.

Otherwise known as "your word"

Others may call it "customer service" but the basic premise is the same. If you say you are going to do something, then make sure you do it. End of. It's not hard, in fact it is the single most simple thing you can do for someone else.

Jim Rohn said it best when he stated "there are no new fundamentals" he's right, the basic principals are always going to be the same.

Unless you have lived in a cave somewhere, you will have noticed we are rapidly approaching the silly season - and the arbitrary "end of year" when it seems everyone wants projects off their desk - and onto ours, and back again before year end. They want to have a rest over the Christmas and New Year period without the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads. But don't let their "deadline" impact on your integrity. And while you could point out that it was perhaps their inability to get off their proverbial rear ends, that caused their last minute rush in the first place, politely tell them you will do what you can - but not if it is going to impact on the quality of the job you are going to do. I'd sooner have quality, than a half-baked finish.

It is of course also the time of year when we seem to visit every single family member and friend - remember everyone is in the same situation we are, so again, if you say you are going to be somewhere, be there - after all, they will also have things to do, people to see and ...

I'm sure you get my point.

Now, my promise to myself is an early night, so I will bid you goodnight.

Speak soon

Elle


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me! The 100 Day Challenge Program Days 10-1: Chequered Flag: That can't be right - can it? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/21/2011 12:26:20 PM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program

Days 10 - 1
The Chequered flag:
That can't be right - can it?

******************************
The chequered flag is in sight. We have just a few laps to go and our current race will be run. Do we slow down or do we put our foot to the floor so we get there faster?

But as Mario Andretti put it "If everything is under control you aren’t going fast enough".

We should be pushing through, we should be working hard, after all we've had 90 days of practice to get us to this point, so no time to coast not just yet.

Consider that if this were a "real" race we would in all honesty not think about slowing down - we would push ourselves and/or our vehicle of choice to it's absolute limits. When races can be won by a single hair, a tip of a finger, the tip of a tongue (CARS) or be measured in milliseconds you cannot afford to slow down. Why? Ask any professional sports person - winning may not be everything but the WILL to win is. Besides which - most people don't remember the guy (or gal) who came in 2nd place, and we all want recognition for a job well done - and why not. Yes I know our challenges are personal ones, but WE will know if we have done enough to say we "WON"

"Will you succeed?
Yes you will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
Kid you'll move mountains"

Are you going to move mountains or sit and watch?

Only you can decide

Speak soon

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Season's Greetings STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/24/2011 09:22:52 AM ----- BODY:

This morning we headed down the road towards the coast of Western Australia. Not a bad spot to start our holiday break - ok it would be nice to have snow around now, but it is our summer and the folks were enjoying themselves as you can see. Being a fair skinned POM we stayed in the shade watching the helicopters overhead and the sirens screaming "SHARK" - but that's life down under...

From the team at MotivateMe, we would like to wish you a safe, happy and joyful Christmas.

For those who don't celebrate - we hope you have a wonderful day, regardless of what you do.

We will be doing a round up of the latest challenge in just a few days, but in the mean time - enjoy your break.

Best

Elle & Mike

 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Creating your new year master plan with one simple question STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 12/28/2011 05:45:52 AM ----- BODY:

A new reader asked for motivation to help her exercise, you can read more about that later on in today's e-zine, but first I would like to ask you a question that was asked of me recently

And that is

How can I?

I have lots of endings to that initial question and I shall be spending some time over the next few days working through each one, for example:

How can I ... lose 23 kilos
How can I ... double my income in 2012
How can I ... run the city to surf given my back is stuffed and my right knee is "injured" at the moment?
How can I ... get more free time so I don't burn out by year end?

but I thought you too might like to try the exercise.

How can I

How can you?

I work best with a piece of paper and a pen, but it's up to you. My son for instance wanted a chalk board on his wall, so mum (me) created one for him, you can brain storm this with your family or work colleagues or your significant other. But the answers to these questions SHOULD provide you with the basis for your new year MASTER PLAN.

I have for instance enlisted the help of my partner and no less than 2 dieticians and a personal trainer to help me with goal no 1. And so far I am down 3.2 kilos since the 19th December. Number 2 is going to take some creative thinking on my part, but that's all part of the fun, because no idea or suggestion is too stupid to throw away. In fact once you have gotten through the obvious suggestions - rob a bank, get a better paid job ... then the better suggestions / solutions start to come through...

Given that we are almost at the end of this year's 100 day challenge, and now is the time to think about the new year and what you would like it to bring to you, perhaps it is an exercise you should consider doing. After all, what have you got to lose?

Best

Elle

--------------------------
Motivate Me to Exercise: Exercise first thing starts my day off right
---------------------------

It took me a while to get it, but I love exercising first thing in the morning. Knowing that I have kept one promise to myself, means I am more likely to keep the rest... it's like having an early "win" on the board, or being able to cross a very big to do item off the day's list... Exercise - check - Read more:

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge 2011 Program STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/31/2011 05:49:41 AM ----- BODY:

This is it, the end of the challenge for 2011.

Congratulations to everyone who took part this year, I cannot wait to hear all the success stories.

As promised I have compiled the program and it can be downloaded HERE.

For those who would like me to run the challenge again in the new year please let me know.

As we come to the end of 2011 I would like to thank each and every one of you. Thank you for making Motivate Me what it is. 

If you think your family, friends and colleagues would benefit from this program and of course the Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine, then please pass on this e-zine to them with my thanks.

I will speak to you in the new year, but in the mean time, please have a safe and happy new year's eve. Let's make 2012 the best year EVER.

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Thinking about your 2012 New Year's Resolutions or Extreme Goal Setting STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions DATE: 01/02/2012 09:10:42 AM ----- BODY:

Day 2 of the new year. The day most of us are probably thinking about heading back to work!. But before you get back into the same old, same old "routine" we create for ourselves, I'd like you to think about your new year's resolutions - or put another way the goals you have planned for the next 12 months.

We usually set new year's resolutions because we are not happy with what we have and want more. That's OK, but there are a couple of things I need you to think about.

1. Are you thankful for what you have achieved / received / accomplished so far? - You need to be thankful, it doesn't mean you have to be content to stay with what you have, but you do need to be thankful for it before you can move on.
2. We usually start from a negative - I need to lose weight, I need to stop smoking - actually we need to stop thinking negatively for a moment to truly begin the process of change. And this is why we need to deconstruct before we can reconstruct our lives in the way that we want to live from now on.

So - that said -

When starting a new program – what determines success or failure?

a.    Attitude – I want to do this, I am sick of this happening (Can be positive or negative influence)
b.    Belief system – does your belief system support you or dismiss the changes you say you want to make.
c.    Value system – what do you really value in your life. You cannot value good health if you eat junk food and don’t exercise.

These 3 things then determine how much time and energy you are willing to devote to the program and the process of change.

You need strength of character that says – what I’ve done in the past hasn’t worked and I am willing to make some changes so they can work now.

So, the basis for any program is a desire to change.

Deconstruction phase:

Identify all behaviours and actions that have led you to this point – don’t worry if it seems like a long list, but identifying everything means you can get to the heart of what the real problems are. Don’t stop when things are getting a little tough – that’s the point where you sub-conscious is trying to hide from you….now you are getting somewhere. Take a deep breath and keep digging, keep writing and keep examining what you are finding. The more uncomfortable this process becomes, the closer you get to the real truth.

With that in mind

a.    What are you happy to keep
b.    What do you need to get rid of?

or to put it another way:

If you had the perfect life what would it be like? Now this one should take some thinking about - because you get to design every aspect of it:

a) where you live
b) who you live with
c) what you do - for work, for play, for pleasure...
d) what you eat, drink
e) what you wear
f) what you look like
g) who do you associate with
h) what car do you drive
i) do you have pets? what sort? what are their names
j) what ...

Now compare your current life to your ideal one - what changes do you need to make in order for that to happen? What new habits do you need to cultivate? What habits do you need to get rid of?

How do you identify habits?
§    Be honest
§    Keep a time / food log / diary
§    Keep strict accounts
§    Who do you spend time with?
§    What do you read?
§    What do you watch on TV?
§    What do you listen to on the radio>
§    How do you spend your free time

What are you willing to give up in order to move forwards with your goals?

Once you have gone through this process - then you can begin the reconstruction phase

Understand how your attitude, belief system and value can make a difference between success and failure.

1.    Attitude
2.    Belief system
3.    Value system

Attitude: Who is to blame? Are you willing to accept your part in the process? Only when you are can you begin the process of moving forwards.

Belief system: What do you believe?
§            Do you believe you can?
§            Do you believe you can have?
§            Do you believe you are not “lucky” enough to have everything you want in life? Or do you believe you are?
§            Do you believe you are worthy of more?
§            Do you believe that people won’t like you when you become successful?
§            Do you believe you will fail – so you never begin?
§            Do you believe you won’t be able to sustain the success if you achieve success once?
§            Do you believe you are a victim of circumstances?

3.    What do you value the most? When we talk about value what I mean is this - You need to value you and your own self-worth. And you do that when you remember to put yourselves first sometimes.

Now you can begin to start thinking about your goals - what do you REALLY want? Remember you have one life, how do you want to live it?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Did you do your homework? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Planning & Organization CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 01/04/2012 12:21:56 PM ----- BODY:

A couple of days ago I asked you to think about the next 12 months.

I will give you a personal example. I have yo-yo'd with my weight now more times than Oprah. Injury, illness, can't stick to the prescribed eating plan for months on end AND hope to function properly. So over the last couple of weeks, starting actually on the 10th December I have begun to work out the why and how I can achieve my goal. And in doing so have already dropped the first 3 kilos (6.6lbs) - yes over Christmas.

The why's of WHY do I yo-yo are interesting , but more of that in a moment, injury and illness notwithstanding (I am currently running on injured knees), but the reality is all I need to lose is a mere 0.65 of a kilo per week until my birthday to reach my goal. That's it - a mere 0.65, or 2 and a bit kilos per month. (2.2lbs per kilo BTW). As my partner will vouch I can drop that in a week let alone a month if I want to, so what is stopping me?

Well I sometimes let life overwhelm me, I pretend I am the Energiser Bunny and I run into brick walls. Forever busy, forever doing "stuff" but the truth is - my "plans" have been flawed. Trying to do too much at the same time, even working from the wrong angles some of the time.

So a personal plea. If you haven't worked through the last lot of "homework" I ask that you do give it some serious thought over the next couple of days. Some say the first 100 days of the year are the best way to start your challenges, but the truth is you can start at any time so long as you know where you want to end up at the end of it. What would your life be like if you achieved every single one of your goals in 2012?

Now that can be a scary thought for some people, and may be the real reason why people actually procrastinate or de-rail their progress. What if I fail? What if I succeed? How will I cope? What will I do next?

The reality believe it or not, is that as you work towards achieving this current set of goals, you will find that your capacity to do more actually increases. Your goal list will change and grow as you do. You may decide that your 2012 goal was to get another 10 thousand a year, as you work out your plan you realise your goal should have been how could I have doubled my income during the year? And what am I going to do with all the money - and that is where the rest of the goals kick in. Money gives you choices. Lots of money gives you LOTS of choices - my problem would be, what on earth do I do first. Bring it on.

Once you have worked out your plan for the year, I would recommend you write it down. As simple as it sounds, if a plan is written down you are more likely to stick to it, especially if you treat yourself like a "client" as my partner and I discussed over the weekend. You don't let a client down, so why would you let yourself down?

In my case - for the weight loss and exercise goal I have set for myself I have created a series of spreadsheets... Did I meet my target? Did I beat it? Did I not work hard enough? And I email that through to my trainer and dietician - so they can keep me accountable as well as myself. It;s much harder to cheat knowing someone is going to be standing there, saying - you didn't do too well this week...

As we all know Measurement is an important part of goal setting - so ensure your goal has a proper and accountable measure in place.

With that said, believe it or not Saturday marks the end of the first week of the 2012, which really is something to think about as we measure our first weeks performance. How did you measure up?

Elle

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The Golden Rule STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Personal development CATEGORY: Success and Failure CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: Prosperity consciousness DATE: 01/07/2012 08:50:05 AM ----- BODY:

If you cannot treat yourself properly, don't expect respect from anyone else

But what do I mean by that rather broad (if interesting) statement?

Well consider the Golden Rule

"do as you would be done by" or "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

A quick search of the Internet will show that this universal law applies as a basis for every religion (though the words vary of course) though Benjamin Franklin is perhaps one of the most commonly quoted in terms of success principles.

I would just like you to consider it as a mantra for your way of living from this day on ...

For example:

But it is not just about our "personal side" though I do believe if we can get this part right, we are well on the way to living the Golden Rule, but -

Consider:

Little things that may not seem like very much - but as leaders we need to consider everything we say as well as everything we do. In other words - we simply cannot deal in double standards.

Why?

We all have someone looking up to us. That may be younger siblings, our children, the youth groups we look after, the sports teams we coach, our students, our readers, our employees. I can tell you now with absolute certainty they can tell you every single one of your character traits - better perhaps than you know them yourselves. Don't believe me? Well can you remember being in High School - I bet within a few weeks of going to class on a regular basis - most kids will be able to do a passable imitation to their friends of their teachers within a very short space of time. I know mine can. So what are they saying about me? Something to think about.

You can ask for respect - but in reality the only way you can receive it, is to earn it by living it.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Someone has stolen my glass STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/09/2012 10:11:49 AM ----- BODY:

When it comes to how we look at life, the language we choose to use is telling:

Some people are always in the half full glass category (positive) while others tend to be on the half empty glass side of things.

For those people who fall into the half glass full category are always trying to find ways to fill their glass. They look for opportunities and more often than not, they follow through with their actions. Their world is incredibly positive and you know they will go far.

For those who consider their glass is half empty and the contents appear to be evaporating - fall into 2 categories

1) Those who think that despite doing the same things in the same way, if they keep on trying hard enough things will get better.
2) Those who don't try very hard at all. "Life" owes them a living ... and they wonder why they can't get on in life.

I feel there is a third group of people - these kinds of people are convinced that not only is their glass half empty, but someone has stolen their glass completely. The world is ending, nothing is going right, nothing you say will change their mind about that - despite every indication to the contrary. Negative, negative, energy draining, spend any length of time with these kinds of people and you could be forgiven for wanting to put a boot up their wazoo.

So, how about you?

Are you a glass half full kind of person?
Or are you a glass half empty one?
I just hope you are not one of those who believe that someone has stolen your glass...

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can eliminate limited thinking STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/11/2012 10:52:51 AM ----- BODY:

*Puts head into hands muttering*

"I just don't know what to do, there is more month left than money, the bills keep piling up and the only way I can cope these days is to eat a very large bar of chocolate everynight while I watch just to take my mind off it all ... I mean I don't know what I'm doing wrong, it's not that I deliberately over spend, I mean I need a new pair of shoes occassionally, and the kids ALWAYS need something ..."

if you've ever had those kinds of conversations with either yourself or someone close to you, then you will know that nothing and I mean NOTHING is going to change while you are thinking and uttering words like that. But that is not the only way we limit ourselves, especially our thinking. And lets face it, if we can't get our thinking right, well there is no way we can make any kind of inroads into the actions that WILL make a difference to the way our lives turn out is there? And please correct me if I am wrong.

But going back to our thoughts for just a moment - I find there are number of ways we limit our thinking. We say things like:

    If I had enough time I would ...
    If I had enough money I would ...
    If I were thin I would ...
    If I were fit enough I would

You can of course exchange those initial words for

When I have ...

    Lost enough weight I will...
    Saved enough money I will...
    Created my new business venture...
    When the kids leave home I will...
    Opened that shop...

These are all STOP phrases - they stop us from thinking about what is possible should we have all the time, energy and money in the world. And if you think about it, we really do have all the time, energy and money in the world, sometimes we just need to know where to find it.

* Banks have money - well most banks do (there will be some in Ireland, Iceland, Italy and Greece who may disagree)
* Our budgets may have stock lines on them that can be eliminated - all we need to do is break the habit that says I don't need to buy a paper today, I'll get my news online - when was the last time you went through your spending habits line by line and evaluated what you were really spending? A lady I used to work with used to be a packet a day smoker, actually so was her husband. One day they decided that in order to go on the holidays they wanted when they retired, they needed to find some money - guess where they found it? And no it wasn't buried in a jar at the bottom of the garden.
* We may decide to get another job, a second job or ask for a raise
* We may for instance decide to give up the TV subscription package we've got. In doing so, we not only generate more disposable income, but we also generate time for ourselves to do other things...

When we know what we REALLY want - we will find the time, we will make the effort and we will find the money. The trick of course is knowing what you REALLY want.

Are you in the habit of using STOP words such as:

    No
    Can't
    Won't
    Shan't

and the associated phrases

    It won't work...
    I can't do that...
    I can't be bothered...
    No way
    I shan't have the time to do all that ...

Have you noticed how they do make you come to a grinding halt every time you utter those words, and they don't need to be out said loud either (mutters under breath - who does she think she is... I can't possibly give up ...)

Well if you have struggled to get on and achieve your dreams and goals, first of all you do need to spend some time and decide what it is you do want and then I would like you to ask yourself the question:

If I had all the time, energy and money in the world - what can I achieve - and is that goal too low? We are now well into the 2nd week of the new year and the time most New Year's Resolutions have faded, well I feel now is the perfect time to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and tell ourselves it's time to stop the limited thinking and to ...

With many thoughts for a much more energetic and prosperous 2012

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivating employees - is it just about money? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Movies CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 01/15/2012 03:43:06 AM ----- BODY:

Motivating employees - is it just about money?

Or is it something else entirely?

Barbara Corcoran a real-estate mogul discovered that it was RECOGNITION rather than money

Read more ...

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Procrastination can be like a bolt in a tyre on the highway STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Procrastination DATE: 01/18/2012 01:55:42 PM ----- BODY:

Procrastination can be like a bolt in a tyre on the highway - seriously, it can stop you dead in your tracks.

I'm in charge of driving lessons for my teen and not so teen anymore - well being a single parent n all, one does what one can. Tonight was going to be much needed practice of driving into the City during peak hour traffic, lots of merging, impatient drivers trying to get home etc. One other major reason for the trip was so my son could find out where he needed to be in the morning to enrol for his course in college (turns out he knew where he needed to go - doh (to coin a phrase)). But 10 minutes from home, huge bolt through the left front - oops. Not wanting to shred tyres and unable to get off the road because of the soft shoulder held back by foot high curbs (two lanes thankfully) we pulled over, hazard lights flashing, and I made everyone get out of the car and onto the side of the road while I made the significant call to the rescue service. Well that's what I pay them for after all.

Apparently no-one else on that road had EVER broken down before if the bad merging, abuse and seriously awful driving we saw was anything to go by. So when the police turned up lights flashing - we were ready to crack up laughing, as they did after finding out what had happened, thanked us for being sensible - then spent an age trying to merge back into traffic because no-one had the decency to let them back in. West Australian drivers you are shocking.

It struck me as I was watching the kids how the world in general treats "problems" especially bolt in the tyre kind of problems.

My daughter is the eternal pessimist - hand wringing - WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME - THIS IS SOOOOO EMBARRASING... etc etc and didn't have a clue as to what to do, who to call or what the rules were regarding the issue. Get out of the car just in case, someone is so blind they can't see the hazards and slams into the back of you ...
My son - popped the boot (trunk) fished out the spare tyre to make sure it was OK, and said in all seriousness - well this is just another lesson to be learned isn't it mum.

Absolutely.

* My daughter is a typical procrasinator - she would have waited, and waited and waited for the right moment to ask what she should do ... or even better waited for a knight in a white charger (preferably a very loud and powerful ute)  to happen by so she could flutter her overly large lashes ...
* My son - the get it done, action type regardless of whether that action was the most sensible - but he is learning (he also has longer eye lashes than his sister but that is by the by). And then ...
* Me being me, explained that was a) why we had roadside assistance b) had called them already c) took a pic for facebook - well why not and d) made sure the action was appropriate for the task in hand. As it turns out, there was a jack, just the tyre lever was like a toy and we do need to invest in a new one just in case we need to change the tyre again - hence why we didn't attempt to change it ourselves. We got home, stuck the damaged tyre in the boot of my car and I'll take it to be sorted tomorrow...

My daughter is still trying to figure out why the world is against her (bless)... my son is still laughing.

I know my kids are relatively new to the driving thing - but their actions and reactions to the issues and problems we are faced with every day, especially when it comes to goal achievement is rather fascinating. I hadn't realised in quite such a forcefull manner I had polar opposites.

How about you
 
* Are you like my daughter
* Or are you like my son
* Or have you figured out what steps you need to take to achieve whatever life throws at you as you try and reach your latest goal?

Next week we re-start the challenge, be ready for lots of "homework"

Hope you too have had a fun night

Elle

p.s. As it turns out and thanks to facebook a friend of my son is sorting out the tyre for us (he works as a tyre fitter while studying to become a personal trainer) - thanks Michael you're a gem

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can exceed expectations STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Personal development CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Gratitude DATE: 01/23/2012 10:33:42 AM ----- BODY:

How can you exceed expectations?

Decide

And only you can do that.

But how?

Well consider the following. How far will you go if you decide:

Today is going to be the best day it can possibly be
Today is the day you are going to make decisions
Today is the day you will take action
Today is the day you will say no to those things that do not serve you or your business
Today is the day you will say thank you and mean it
Today is the day you will give praise where it is due and make adjustments where they need to be made
Today is the day you leave work at work because your family need you at your best too
Today is the day you ask for help if you need it
Today is the day you look at the life you have been given and find every positive there is to find.
Today is the day you don't let the negative ruin and rule your life
Today is the day you ...

But only you can decide

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Getting rid of bad habits: Going cold turkey STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits DATE: 01/26/2012 01:58:06 AM ----- BODY:

I was wondering where the term "going cold turkey" came from and discovered interestingly enough that it comes from the drug slang for people needing to stop using heroin. Nowadays it is a term used "to suddenly and completely stop doing something, esp. a bad habit" (dictinary.com)

Bad habits, those things we don't think we have - until we try and stop doing them.

Someone once said it takes 30 days to break a bad habit. I have no idea who created that myth, truth be told, you don't break bad habits, you overlay new habits over the top. Slowly and surely the new habit takes over from the old one. Unless you can go "cold turkey" that is, and depending on what habit you are trying to break you may be able to do just that. However, most people I know struggle with the cold turkey approach, so overlaying a new habit over the old habit may be the way to do it for you.

Now, a word of caution - these new habits could be good or bad.

You decide to swap the gym after work for a beer with your friends - just this once, is a lot easier than deciding to swap the beer with friends after work with going to the gym ... well it's hot / wet / i've had a hard / bad day / I deserve a break

When you are trying to create the habits that you do want, remember that it will take time AND a lot of practice with deliberate thinking on your part before they become second nature (ie a habit). Once you have them though, it can be like removing impacted concrete with a tooth pick, which is why they are so hard to get rid of once they are established.

    What new habits would you like to create?
    Which of your old habits would you like to get rid of?

What steps can you take today to overlay a new habit over an old one that is no longer serving you?

    Instead of having a cigarette I will go for a 10 minute walk
    Instead of a bar of chocolate I will ...
    Instead of a glass of wine with dinner I will
    Instead of watching the television while I am doing my homework I will listen to music
    Instead of playing games all night I will switch everything off at 10pm and create a new nighttime routine, that way I will get the sleep I need ...


Repeated action over time = new habits

But the question is, are you will to take the steps to achieve them?

Let me know ...

With many thoughts

Elle

p.s. for those celebrating Australia Day, stay safe and enjoy the festivities
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Creating your master to do list: Starting the next 100 day challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 01/30/2012 12:57:27 PM ----- BODY:

“A goal without a plan is just a wish”
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 – 1944)

It can take time and a lot of thought to determine what it is you want out of life.

I have created a new resource for you. Your first challenge is to download a copy of the

Master To Do List Workbook ...

The workbook allows you to take stock of what you say is important to you. Take the time to answer the questions, ponder your reasons and what steps you think you will need to take.

We will talk soon.

Best

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Putting things off STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: End procrastination DATE: 02/01/2012 12:02:06 PM ----- BODY:

What have you put off doing so far today?

Why?

The reason for the question is simple, if the answer a little profound

Once you recognise and acknowledge what and why - you can normally "shame" yourself into doing something about them ...

So - what have you deliberately put off doing today?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenge:
---------------------------
Did you download your copy of the master task list creator?

http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2012/1/30/creating-your-master-to-do-list-starting-the-next-100-day-ch.html

Remember, the next 100 day challenge starts Saturday 4th February 2012

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Aditi EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 125.22.193.146 URL: DATE: 02/02/2012 01:48:30 PM Hi Elle,

I have been following your website from past 3 years and have benefitted a lot mentally and physically.
Thanks.I lost 10 kgs in 10 months (i know i am a bit slow, i love to eat).
But sometimes i feel i was more happy when i was fat. Now after loosing weight i look good and but i am not happy. I feel lonely and unwanted all the time, maybe because i had set lot of expectations from weight loss.
I try my best to be happy or atleast fake it.I want to talk to somebody about it face to face, but do no feel comfortable with family or friends because i try never to be sad in front of them.

Can you suggest some ways or your oipnion on how i can overcome this state of mind? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: http://www.motivateme.info DATE: 02/03/2012 08:42:11 AM Hi Aditi

Congratulations on the weight loss, it does take time to accept you've changed - and (in my experience) other people rarely comment and certainly don't seem to care as much as we do. So it can be a bit of a let down after our hard work.

If you go to our links page - at the bottom of each page - scroll right down - there are a number of organisations who should be able to help you. Beyond Blue for instance is a great organisation here in Australia.

All the best

Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge: Running with the Red Queen or Believing 6 impossible things before lunch STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 02/04/2012 06:55:54 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge: 4th February 2012
---------------------------
Running with the Red Queen or believing 6 impossible things before lunch

With thanks to both Lewis Carroll and a colleague for reminding me of these quotes, thanks JD

What do we mean by "running with the red queen"?

Well for those like me who needed a reminder, the Red Queen ran on the spot.

Life can seem like that, forever running on the spot, trying to catch up with what happened yesterday to even think about today.

Well today and for the next 100 days we are going to break free from the habits that have left us stuck on our personal treadmills (or if you prefer - the hamster wheel) and we are going to achieve some amazing things. Don't shake your head at me. As Bob the Builder would ask - can we fix it?

or in our case - can we do it?

Can we make significant gains and breakthroughs in the next 100 days?

Answer: .................................................

What can you achieve?:
---------------------------
Whatever you deem important. But to give you some idea, since we began running these challenges in 2009 we have had:

* Businesses created
* Books written
* Hundreds of pounds lost in weight
* Sold houses and travelled the world
* Houses cleaned of clutter
* Marathons trained for and run
* Debts paid off and

Many, many other wonderful and personal challenges such as

* Reducing reliance on alcohol and sleep medication
* Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked
* Not sleeping past 7.30 in the morning

Once you make up your mind to do something - you will be astounded at what you are truly capable of. So:

Your Action Step Today:
---------------------------
You should have worked through your Master To Do List and transferred the results to Day 1 of your challenge:

Your action step today is to schedule into your diary / calendar / schedule - when you are going to work on your challenges.

Personally I find first thing in the morning to be the best time, that way we cannot say

I'll do that in a bit

No - we get up and we get going

Habits and rituals are so very important when we are starting to create the new disciplines we need. That way by the time the end of the challenge rolls around, they are just part our normal lives and we can move onto other challenges that may be facing us.

So - for instance - if you say good health is important to you and part of that good health is to create a new discipline of doing 30 minutes of exercise every day, you need to work out when you are going to exercise every day and schedule it into your diary. Once that appointment time comes around, you get up and you get going. No excuses, no waiting for the time to be right, the weather to be right, the clothes to fit properly - get up and get going.

* Schedule the phone calls you need to make to grow your business
* Schedule the time to reach out to contacts via the social media to grow your business
* Schedule the time to reach out to the people you need to say thank you, sorry, or anything else to

Schedule time, be it 5 minutes or 5 hours - but it has to be consistent

Then once it has been scheduled:

2nd Action Step Today:
---------------------------
Choose 1 thing and work on it - given that we are already part way through Day 1 - make a start TODAY on 1 challenge.

That's it, one challenge - today, and preferably something that will take you out of your comfort zone. For me it was rejoining the public library. One of my challenges is to read at least 100 "things" during the next 100 days.... 100 books is probably going to be a bit much to cram into my day given what is going to happen mid point through this challenge (which was a challenge in itself from last time - but I'm not revealing all just yet), but 100 chapters, 100 articles, 100 - somethings - basically to read something new every single day. With that in mind I have been going through my local libraries in recent weeks scoping out the best one for my needs. Today I re-joined the public library - not my old one, just one that had the resources I need and I found my first 5 books. I will keep a list of the ones I get through and will write a brief summary of what I got from it ... Personal and professional development has always been high on my list of prioritiesl, today I am making that commitment formal.

That is one of my challenges: Find 100 "things" / items that can make a difference to the way all our lives turn out...

What about you?

What can you do today to make today the best day it could possibly be?

Here's to the next 100 days and many, many completed challenges. Don't forget to connect with me on the social sites below, because I will be posting additional comments / suggestions and follow ups through Twitter and Facebook ...

If you want to share your challenges you can do so here, or in the forum

http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2012/2/4/the-100-day-challenge-running-with-the-red-queen-or-believin.html

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge-forum/

Obviously if you would like a copy of the 100 Day Challenge Workbook (and the associated files to help you) you can do that here - http://www.motivateme.info/challenge/

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I have two words to say to you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Ready to change DATE: 02/08/2012 12:36:25 PM ----- BODY:

I have two words to say to you

THANK YOU

You are truly inspirational - each and every one of you. I would especially like to thank those who have shared personal struggles and stories. I may not know exactly what you are going through, but I do know how hard it can be to admit you need help - like I said, you are inspirational.

You never cease to amaze me what you do each day if the feedback is anything to go by; I've discovered that -

* When life gives you problems, you take a deep breath, pull yourself up by the bootstraps and you go again.

* You are not willing to live with what you have, because you know you are capable of so much more - and so you follow through with the homework that is set...
 
* You take my advice - and sometimes you tell me to stick it, and you know what - that's great because I know I need to raise my game, and

* You forward on those messages that have inspired you to people you know who may benefit from hearing the same, well -

I just wanted you to know that you help make me a much better person and I just wanted to say so

Thanks

Here's to a very big and amazing life we have been priviliged to have been given. Consider yourself hugged.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's been a losing battle so far - But I will win the war STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 02/11/2012 06:32:08 AM ----- BODY:

Want to know where you can connect in person with me? You'll find out in a moment ...

I decided to get back onto my "diet" to finally drop the last of the weight I wanted to lose back on the 19th December 2011 - well why wait until January 1st. Please note, i am not that overweight, but I am at the upper end of the body weight for height scale. I have now decided I want to be at the lower end of the scale for a change.

Sure enough, I dropped a couple of kilos - and some of it over Christmas.

This is going to be a doddle I thought.

Then my gym re-started their 12 week challenge (mid Jan) and I joined in as a way to keep myself honest. I organised a "proper" eating plan - and promptly stopped losing weight.

Couple of things. Turns out the gym's scale was wrong - so when they bought a new set I was heavier than I thought I was - that was depressing I will have you know. I know it's all relative and I was probably just heavier to begin with - but after seeing the numbers come down for weeks on end, it was a problem seeing them go back up again - especially when I had not been particular "naughty" for the weeks I had been supposedly eating "properly".

I adjusted the diet plan, still no movement the weeks following
I upped the exercise again (hard to do when you are running an injury), and still no movement
4 weeks into their challenge, and I was all for throwing in the towel after losing 1 whole kilo (2.2lbs). woopee flippin doo

But I knew I was losing size, the exercise was working on the shape because my clothes were either fitting better or becoming too big round the middle.

But I knew that fixing it meant sorting out the food - once and for all.

So I have all but ditched the low fat, carb based eating plan I was given and switched back to my old diet of protein, minimal pure carbs, veggies and salad, not much fruit and - I'll let you know.

I upped the exercise again this week - well the knee and the back are holding up at the moment - so ... I am dropping another challenge into my 100 days:

One of my personal challenges for the 100 day challenge is to find at least 30 minutes of exercise time every day. Not incidental exercise, but sweat, power walk and core body work type of exercise, especially if it is not a gym or personal training day. 30 minutes I can surely find time for 30 minutes of what I call "proper" exercise while still doing my incidental stuff. Well - there are 24 hours, that's 48 half hours - 48, surely 1 can be used for proper exercise.

Oh and by the way after I dropped several things back out of my diet the nutritionist had put in (namely carbs and a lot of fruit, neither of which I process very well for some reason) I FINALLY had movement on the scale - 900g to be precise.

It's a relief I can tell you.

The positive gives me a boost and more incentive to move forwards, to keep pushing for the new week. Working from a negative last week was hard work - depressingly hard work I have to say. Positives are easier to work from - so a very big tip here - find at least 1 positive every day to help you push forwards with your personal challenges.

Best

Elle
--------------------------
Where are we?
---------------------------

Monday i join a good friend at Challenger's Peel Campus for their student welcome days.

What can I say - Motivate Me to Study HARD :-D

If you are there on Monday, come by and say hi, would love to see you

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me is heading to America STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Dealing with procrastination CATEGORY: End procrastination CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 02/20/2012 12:29:50 PM ----- BODY:

One of my big challenges last year was to save up enough money to holiday in America ... well in precisely 4 weeks, my partner, a friend and I will be doing just that ...

My partner has lived in the states, but for my friend and I, it is our first time visiting, so he is dedicated tour leader "thanks honey" :-D

Now before you get all excited, we are not running seminars, just that if you are in the vicinity of Las Vegas towards the end of our road trip, well it would be great to meet you. Let me know if you can be / will be in the area and I'll give you some more details.

Consequently the Daily Dose and of course the challenge, will take on a slightly different delivery mechanism for the duration and I would urge you to connect with me on the methods listed below - because that is where most of the news etc will be posted.

Well I'm excited - not one item crossed off the bucket list, but lots of them

Including:

Los Angeles
San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge
The Big Sur
Carmel - can anyone introduce me to Clint?
Yosemite
The Grand Canyon
Death Valley
Las Vegas

And many spots in between

And if anyone has contacts in the library world, my plan is also to visit as many libraries as I can while I am there. Hey - once a librarian ALWAYS a librarian.

Now that to me is the importance of goals - and a proper deadline - in our case, a plane that leaves here on the 20th March. Once you have that kind of deadline, you simply cannot procrastinate any longer.

Hope to see you there

Elle

---------------------------
Motivate me to exercise: Kokoda beckons
---------------------------
It was cool enough (though humid) to attempt the Kokoda track in Kings Perth again on the weekend. Turns out a LOT of people thought the same thing, including the couple who had used the track to train for their trip to base camp Everest last year...

Why are we still doing this honey?
I don't know, we must be mad, we're not training for anything now
me - because you can ... and just in case you decide to do something else in the not too distant future ...
Because we can, I like that ...

I've discovered it does help to have a reason to train, though mine is a lot more selfish than most - I just want a smaller butt to go with the health benefits of a good cardio workout alongside strength training for the legs and of course the uneveness means the core gets a workout too ...

The way I look at it, it doesn't matter what your overall goal is, the important part is to have one in the first place.

See you on the track on Sunday - about 8am ;-D and bring a friend or two

BTW if you want to know what I look like mid workout - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-to-exercise/2012/2/12/sunday-training-we-go-back-to-kokoda.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Wouldn't it be nice if ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Gratitude DATE: 02/22/2012 12:30:02 PM ----- BODY:

On the top of a very large piece of blank paper write the following

WOULDN"T IT BE NICE IF ...

Then allow your mind free creative reign to fill in the spaces below ... use colour, use imagination, use whatever you like, but gosh

woudn't it be nice if ...

Why should you bother to do this seemingly silly exercise? Because it actually isn't silly. This is personal brain storming at its very best.

You can of course adapt this to any business meeting, product ideas meeting, or sales generation meeting - but I use it as a personal development and goal setting tool first and foremost.

When I was filling in this particular sheet earlier today I came up with one idea that stuck with me and made me smile ALL the way home

Wouldn't it be nice if ...

Just for today everyone was happy



What would your wish for today be?

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Starting is usually the hardest STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: Dealing with procrastination CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 02/26/2012 05:05:50 AM ----- BODY:

It always seems like a good idea at the time. After all the planning, preparation and mental psyching up - why do we then fail to follow through with the correct action at the right time?

Case in point: Sunday morning, this morning, I had every intention of getting up around 7am, putting on my training gear and heading to kings park to climb the Kokoda track. It's something I do every couple of weeks as you know. Today I made the mistake of going back to bed when I woke up at 6.30 - another half an hour, after all it IS Sunday... and supposedly a day of rest. An hour and a bit later it was a struggle even then to get out bed, get organised and get to the car for the short drive up through the city and up the hill into the botanical gardens where the track begins.

I tried bribing myself - start with one, and if it really is too much - you can go home (I've been feeling a lot under the weather this last couple of weeks)
If you do 6 returns I'll buy you a cup of coffee

The first return was awful, knees creaking, humidity around the 80% mark and a LOT of people on the track by the time I made it at 8.30. One young girl was already on the track when I labored down the steps the first time, and hadn't reached the bottom before she was running past me going uphill. She didn't even break a sweat. I was soaked by the time I got back to the top. Towelling off, I took on some water and decided to do a couple more returns (down and up = 1). 1 lady spoke to her training companion - I've done 12 fancy a coffee?

12

At the end of the 3rd return I was joined by a husband and wife team and we huffed back up the hill for the 4th return - always good to find out why people are training. Just better health they said - you?

Me - I just want a smaller butt ... they thought I was kidding. Truth is I need to fit into my clothes a little better. I also know you can't spot reduce areas, so the training means I will shrink all of me, not just my rear end.

I was going to do another 2, did I want the coffee? As it turns out, I was feeling pretty sick by this time - hunger sick - with nothing other than water and a banana to fuel my climb I was beginning to feel weary. I made my usual 5 returns in the hour and left to find food. It was NOT my best effort. The young girl was still going :-(

Do I feel better for doing it?

To be honest Yes and No.

I'm glad that I didn't bail first thing this morning and opt for breakfast with my partner instead. That would have been perfect beat myself for not doing what I said I was going to do material.
I am a little annoyed I went back to bed instead of getting up - maybe that would have made the difference - who knows.

As I reflect back on this morning, I realised in an altogether forceful way, that one of the keys to getting things done - is

PERSISTENCE

I could have bailed after 1 or 2. Persistence kept me going for the 5 returns.

We all know what our goals are. Be they as silly as this particular goal of mine sounds - I know what I want and I know what I have to do to achieve it. I'm also hoping the dopamine will kick in soon :-) the runners high, the reward for doing the exercise. And no, I didn't buy the coffee.

Points to consider:

* Know what your goal is / goals are
* Know WHY you want it / them
* Taking the first step every day is usually the hardest - and even if you've been "training" for a while, sometimes it can be just as hard as if today is the first day of working on your goals
* Accept that and do the work anyway - yes, even if you don't want to. Break it down if you have to - do it for 5 minutes, do it for 15 - just begin - you may find you can push through and get your own "rewards"
* Congratulate yourself for what you managed to do - we can always find something to negate our efforts, try instead to congratulate yourself for what you have achieved - it is much easier to work from a positive frame of mind than a negative one.
* Repeat - after all, tomorrow we get to do it all again

Best
Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What makes today special? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 02/29/2012 07:21:23 AM ----- BODY:

MotivateMe!
Providing Strategies to Overcome the Procrastination Habit with a Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine
---------------------------
In This Issue:
---------------------------
* Today's daily dose: what makes today special?
* 100 day challenget: and talking of books
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 29th February 2012
---------------------------
Is it the fact that today only occurs once every 4 years

OR

The fact that you did something with the day?

My Mentor Jim Rohn always said "Most people are just trying to get through the day. Sophisticated people learn how to get from the day."

But what is the power of a single day?

For some people it can mean the world:

* Monday one of our contract staff lost her husband - Sunday they were together, Monday he was gone
* Yesterday one of our in-house staff lost her father

So what of your today?

While we may not face the level of life changing happenings that has happened to 2 people I know,

Today may be the day you decide that you will:

* Book that course you've always wanted to study
* Book the holiday you were going to take "one day"
* Start your savings plan
* Give up the alcohol or cigarettes
* Start exercising for your better health
* Read a book
* Surprise a loved one with the gift of time, a hug, or cooking dinner
* Complete one of the many tasks you've been promising you were going to get around to - one day

Or

Today may be the day you decide to be thankful for everything you have already got. I don't just mean material things, I mean the people in your life who have made a difference to you. When did you last say thank you to them? Nor does it mean you have to be satisfied with your lot in life either, but it makes going forwards a whole lot easier if you are thankful for what you have achieved while you pursue everything you want.

Well guess what - that one day is here, after all 1 day in 4 years is almost as rare as those "one in a million" shots, or "once in a blue moon" days we speak about - it's special.

So as you work out what you want today to look like, consider it this way - when you look back on the journal of your life for this day - what will it say?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenget: and talking of books
---------------------------
I've read quite a few interesting things since the start of the challenge, and I have a few more to add as I am nearly through another book ;-)

The Won Thing by Peggy McColl

Love my public library

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/2/6/100-things-that-ive-read-in-100-days-that-may-interest-you.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2012 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

Quotes by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher, reprinted with permission from Jim Rohn International ©2011.
As a world-renowned author and success expert, Jim Rohn touched millions of lives during his 46-year career as a motivational speaker and messenger of positive life change.
For more information on Jim and his popular personal achievement resources or to subscribe to the weekly Jim Rohn Newsletter, visit www.JimRohn.com.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If you've got the guts STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 03/03/2012 06:49:18 AM ----- BODY:

"If you've got the guts to conquer your body, you've got the guts to conquer any area of life you so choose" Matt Furey (p170 - Steve Chandler: The Story of You: And how to create a new one)

* How many diets have you been on?
* Keep your hand up if you've been on more than one? (raises hand sheepishly)
* Lower your hand if you've succeeded in losing weight AND keeping it off - for the rest of your life to date ... (keeps hand stuck in air)

I could say that I have a good excuse - I've gone through major surgery - twice, had 2 kids and now sit down most of every day so I can do my work - but that's exactly what it would be - an excuse.

Truth is my weight yo-yo's more often than most people change jobs. It's not that I don't exercise - because I do - and I bore you rigid with the details - sorry about that, but I figure that if I can't motivate myself then what chance have I got of motivating anyone else let alone you. But when I read that quote I must admit I had to take a step back and go "whoa"

What the author Steve Chandler was talking about in particular is how we write our own stories and our bodies always (and without fail) follow.

* How many times have you been exercising and your mind wants you to give up? errrr - lots
* How many times have you given up? - errrr - just about the same amount

I love books like that - ones that make you stop and go - oh blinkin heck is that what's going on ... darn and double darn. Two days before I read that piece I was doing some tricep dips during my personal training session (http://www.efit121.com.au - if you're in WA and interested). My triceps are not as developed as my biceps - fact. If it had been a bicep exercise I was doing at the time I would have rested for maybe 2 seconds and then carried on - but because I tell myself that my triceps aren't as strong, my body decided to take me at my word and rather inelegantly gave up ... I shook it off eventually (about 10 seconds) and carried on, but my mind won, it was only through embarrassment that I picked myself up and completed the set.

Now I have read that particular book and that quote in particular which has stuck in my mind - I won't be quite so easily led by mind into giving up on things I know I can do.

And of course it doesn't just apply to exercise and weight loss, but everything.

Our minds tell us:

* We can't
* Who do you think you are?
* You've never done that before - so why do you think you'd be any good now?

And of course it doesn't help if we hear the same thing from other people. BTW this does not just relate to exercise, but most things we say we want to do, but never quite get around to finishing.

The trick is - as I have found (but will need work) is to observe the mind - oh, you're ready to give up, ok you can do that if you want, but do you mind if we just do a bit more first ... by the time you've done a bit more, your mind has taken a step back, it might wake up again, and probably win. But the truth is - we are capable of so much more than our minds give us credit for.

So your homework for this week is 2 fold:

1. Watch and observe your mind, what is it telling you? Is it empowering - you can do that. GO GURRRL. Or is it being a recalcitrant teenager who won't clean her room? BTW rolling eyes does not count as exercise.
2. Push yourself - double your output and effort this week. I normally manage to do 150 - 210 minutes of exercise each week - so this week I am doubling it... 300 - 420 minutes. And I am going to double output on everything else - every goal I have set for myself - double - just to stretch the boundaries just a little.

Have an expansive week and let me know how you get on

Speak soon

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you worth the extra zero? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to find work DATE: 03/07/2012 12:20:05 PM ----- BODY:

Let's say you saw a perfect job advertisement for you. Your dream job ready for the taking. You scan the ad, and decide you can do that job quite easily. Then you look at the salary and see that the company are paying $45,000 - not a bad starting salary you decide... and even better it's just down the road and you don't have to spend an age getting to and from the workplace.

You quickly scout out your CV and make a few tweak changes, write out the covering letter and hit the send button.

Job is in the bag.

Now, what would you do if you saw the same job advertisement, same everything except the salary had an extra zero tacked on the end.

You read the ad, you read it again - you're almost sure you could apply for the job after all it looks like you could do it. But the money - whoa.

Would you really dismiss yourself as unworthy of that extra zero?

Why?

if you think about it seriously - that zero = NOTHING

We have just undervalued ourselves and our abilities by reducing ourselves to a zero.

How many times do we do that?

* Undervalue our ability
* Undervalue what we can create and give to the world
* Undervalue who we really are

Is it time to stop undervaluing ourselves?

Elle

p.s. the answer you were looking for is

YOU BETCHA

now - go get em

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Putting things into practice STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: End procrastination CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 03/11/2012 05:42:17 AM ----- BODY:

* Do you buy cookery books?
* Do you read the recipes and say to yourself - "wow, that recipe looks really good. And I think we have all the ingredients too. We could make that recipe right now"
* Do you continue to read on and forget you were going to make that new dish to try?

A couple of days later, you remember about the recipe - "I could make that tonight - but I'm too tired right now. I'll just watch a bit of television and then ..."

In truth the money you spent on that cookery book was wasted. You had the opportunity to try something new, but you just couldn't be bothered.

* How many books have you bought on health and nutrition; exercise; how to set up a financial savings plan; how to make money; find success; write a book ...?
* How many seminars have you been to?

How many of the suggestions that are in those books and seminars have you put into practice?

Unless we take action on a daily basis. Unless we make a conscious decision that we are not going to be lazy in our thinking, that we will start to follow the suggestions we've been given we'll get to the end of yet another year having done - almost the same as we've always done.

Go to your bookshelves, or whatever passes for your personal library and take a good look at the titles - pick one, it really doesn't matter which one you choose. Read it - and follow the suggestions it gives.

Start small, if the book says for example - to achieve financial independence you need to put 10% of your money into a savings account and not touch it. And you say, but I don't have a spare 10% that's part of my problem. Well your task would be to find a way of saving 1% of your income. Make a budget, line by line - what do you spend your money on? Stop buying books on any subject if you're not going to follow the advice!!! that's a start. Cut out the coffee, cut out the take away sandwich you buy from the corner deli and take your own to work - and save the difference. With little or no effort you will find ways of saving 1%. Then you will say - well i can save 1% how can I save 2%? Little changes you make overtime can equal massive results.

Need to lose 40lbs - start with the first 5.

Want to run a marathon - start with the first 100 metres, then 200, then 500

Want to write a book - you get the idea, start with the outline, then the chapter headings, then what you want to cover in each chapter - finally you start filling in the bits in between.

Every day we make a million tiny decisions - each decision can help you or hinder you.

Do I eat the apple for my better health - nah, I'll have the cake today
Shall I get up half hour early and - or shall I sleep in?

The choice as they say is yours and always will be

With many thoughts

Elle

--------------------------
100 Day challenge: 100 things I'm reading that may interest you
---------------------------
There aren't quite 100 things there, just yet - 18 in fact. As it turns out I've read more books than articles since starting the list. I do that though, go through phases with my reading. At the moment I am drawn to ways to get more out of life - and re-discover my creativity. What books are you drawn to?

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/2/6/100-things-that-ive-read-in-100-days-that-may-interest-you.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Moving from average to extraordinary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action DATE: 03/12/2012 06:30:29 AM ----- BODY:

Your future starts now.

That's right, today, this minute - not tomorrow, not next week, not when the kids have left home, or when you've got your qualifications ...

Your future and what you ultimately achieve, starts NOW

So - what are you doing right now? Are you working on your goals and projects? Or are you working on someone else's goals and projects?

"But I don't have time to work on my goals ... I'm AT WORK"

Sure you can - you get a lunch break don't you? How about morning and aftenoon tea breaks?
How about getting up at 4.30 in the morning to work on your goals and projects?
How about not watching the television at night if you don't have any other time?

We all have time, it's just that most of us don't have the ambition. And the reason is because our goals simply don't inspire us. If they did - nothing would stop us.

Did you know the difference between average and extraordinary lies in your ability to do things that other people don't want to do, or can't do. That's it. We have so many small goals it can be hard to get up in the morning. So why not have a BIG, OMG kind of goal. The kind of goal that if you achieved it, you'd never be the same ever again. Actually that reminds me of a saying from Jim Rohn's mentor Earl Schoff - Mr Schoff told Jim Rohn to set the goal of becoming a millionaire. Not for the money, but for what it would make of him to achieve it.

Think about it, you can't achieve something BIG without it changing you along the way.

So when you are looking at your current goals - ask yourself this - what kind of person will I be after I've achieved this? If the answer is - pretty much the same as I am now - then the goal isn't big enough, or you haven't totally thought it through. Why would you want to have a goal on your list that isn't going to change you or the way you see the world?

You need to think these things through. But a word of caution - don't compromise your values in the pursuit of what you want. The gaols are full of people who thought it would be easier to take a short cut rather than work for what they needed.

I've mentioned my personal trainer many times over the last couple of years. I am a work in progress with my health and fitness, but Hilary set the goal to have the best body she has ever had. She gets up at 4.30 to work on her own goals before her clients arrive to work on theirs. And her hard work paid off on the weekend when she won the over 50's category and qualified for the world championships in Poland this year. And this at a time when the family is going through some amazing struggles - http://www.efit121.com.au/mind-and-body-fitness/2012/3/12/be-the-best-you-can-be.html

My big, OMG goal from last year culminates on the 20th March when we get on the plane to fly to California - sensory overload for 3 glorious weeks. And I am currently in the planning stage for the next OMG goal. Which is really quite exciting. Now it's your turn:

Action steps:

Go through your goal list - if you haven't got a goal list

Write one.

Of the 10 things or so that is on your list - which will make the biggest difference to you as a person NOW - think magic wands and you could achieve it TODAY

Then determine - what skills and abilities would you need to acquire to achieve that goal?

Write down 10 - 20 ways you can work on the goal

Pick one and start.

To your success

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------

http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge: I'm late, I'm late ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 03/14/2012 10:59:43 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge: I'm late, I'm late ...
---------------------------
... said the white rabbit as he stuffed his pocket watch back into his waistcoat

Today is the 40th day of the current 100 day challenge which we started on the 4th February

That means you should be well on the way towards your current set of goals.

Are you on track?

Have you achieved more or less than you said you were going to achieve by this point?

Every goal you set for yourself needs to have some form of measurement so you know whether or not you are on track to achieve your goals within a specified time frame - in this case 100 days. Did you add a measurement to your goals?

Remember the SMART goal formula

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time Bound

If your numbers aren't stacking up, were your goals in fact realistic with the tight time frame that is 100 days or not? Have you already beaten your target? In which case you need to think BIGGER. Aim for something that is going to take your breath away every time you think about it. Believe me you will never be the same person you were before as you move towards achieving those kinds of goals.

But the way I look at this thing called goal achievement is this:

If I can do something towards my goals each day, eventually I will get there.

My goal to read 100 useful things in 100 days is a little off - I read a lot of stuff every day, but I have to decide whether or not you would find it useful or not ... Sometimes the answer is "probably not" as I do have to read weird and wonderful things at the moment such as the retention and disposal laws of countries such as Namibia, Ghana and 18 other countries. But I do have several items on the go at the moment, which I do think you will enjoy - so I should be catching up in the next few weeks. It also helps in that I am officially on holiday (ie away from the normal routine) starting this Friday. Things as usual are a little hectic in the lead up to a major break, but I shall be doing some catch up writing on the weekend. If you want to see what I have read so far - go to - http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/2/6/100-things-that-ive-read-in-100-days-that-may-interest-you.html

Let me know how you are doing

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Living life to the max STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/20/2012 07:02:32 AM ----- BODY:

"Life is full and overflowing with the new. But it is necessary to empty out the old to make room for the new to enter"
Eileen Caddy

It may take something radical to make us appreciate what we have been given, what we need to be grateful for, and to change the way we live:

* The close encounter with death
* The close encounter with death of a loved one
* Losing your job
* Looking at yourself in the mirror and wondering where the years have gone, and where the weight has come from

Then there are the not so radical ways we can appreciate everything we have:

* Holidays and travel
* Coming home from a day of work knowing that your partner and kids will be there
* Stopping what we are doing and listening to life

Thankfully at any given moment we can decide that we will do whatever it takes.

Today is that day for me. A chance to stop, to listen, to learn to appreciate what I have been given and to enjoy the process of renewal.

In a few hours I shall be heading to the airport with my partner for 16 days of sensory overload... of so many things achieved which can now be appreciated.

I'll speak to you again from LA

With a quick reminder if we haven't become friends on twitter and facebook, you'll probably miss out on some of the fun.

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Roadtrips are a great way of dealing with procrastination STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/28/2012 02:03:50 AM ----- BODY:

Apologies for the gap in sending messages. Travelling and 3 days without decent broadband :-/ does that I'm afraid.

For those new to the Daily Dose, my partner and I are on a holiday around California ... trying to get as much in to 16 days as we can get - without wearing ourselves out in the process. Which is easier said than done I have to say.

Given that we are only going to be in some places overnight, and with a fair bit of driving in between stopovers - we had a rough itinerary of things to see and do. And yes it included down time as well as shopping opportunities. In fact today, we drove to West Hollywood and checked into "The London" one night of pure luxury on the sunset strip, After 3 nights of motel in Santa Monica - it is amazing. Have you ever sat on top of a hotel next to a swimming pool, drinking iced water. Yes I managed it for about 40 minutes, before the urge to explore overcame me.

To me, that is why a roadtrip or any kind of holiday is important because of what it can teach you about the art of goal setting. And what happens if you fail to meet the deadlines.

Imagine missing your flight - and that's just one of the minor inconveniences.

For me it is more about - if I want something, or want to do something then I am going to have to do it - NOW. It won't wait until tomorrow. If I wait until tomorrow, it is TOO LATE. Goal not accomplished.

Proper deadlines are important when it comes to goal setting. Do your goals have some? How can you put a proper deadline on your goals so that you don't get to the end of another month without achieving something of importance?

Think about it, we are over half way through the current 100 day challenge. In a few days we will be 1/4 way through the year.

Hope you and I are friends on facebook because I am posting some pics and updates on there ... if not ...

Speak sometime soon

Now it is definitely time to head to the balcony and grab a glass of wine and watch the sunset over this amazing part of the world.

All the best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't just be there - BE there STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/30/2012 01:30:17 AM ----- BODY:

You know the saying "life is not a dress rehearsal" well unsurprisingly it's not - well not as far as we know.

As far as we know - this is all there is. For some the belief that heaven, valhalla, nirvana and even hell awaits us cannot be proven, and by the time we DO find out there is more to death than life, we can't exactly tell anyone about it. So for the sake of argument - let us just assume we have one shot at this thing called LIFE.

Why then, if we use that as a basic premise that THIS is IT do people waste so much time - WAITING?

Why then are we not "there" where we think we are? Our minds are wandering - when we are at home we are probably thinking about work. When we are at work we are probably thinking about home, kids, partners, the fur kids even the house "did I leave the gas on?"

Why aren't we totally listening to the person we are talking to? Why do we think our point of view is so much better than theirs that we can't wait for them to draw breath before we are jumping in with conjecture, if's but's and why?

Why then aren't we totally engaged with where we are and what we are doing? This has really been brought home to me on this roadtrip we are on. I see people travelling and not getting out of the car. I see people using binoculars instead of walking a few metres. I see people who have faces as long as a wet weekend - and believe me it's not been a wet weekend.

We have had every kind of weather on this trip, and we have dealt with the weather we have been given - it just is - this holiday has been a long time in the planning, why would we be "miserable" because the cloud covered part of it?

Don't be guilty of not being there.
Accept that some things just are - and deal with it.
And please - if you are given an opportunity that will never EVER be repeated - for goodness sake - take it with both hands and jump in with both feet.

I'll speak to you again soon ...

Elle

p.s. Tomorrow is Yosemite :-)
and after seeing Elephant Seals on the beach I would love to see a bear - please and thank you

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Why BIG goals are important STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Motivation DATE: 04/03/2012 08:32:24 PM ----- BODY:

How big are your goals?

And by BIG I mean MASSIVE?!

Why should you have MASSIVE GOALS? Why shouldn't you be satisfied with those ordinary things you have on your list? Well I have just discovered why BIG goals are so very important.

You see a BIG goal is not what the goal is per se, rather what you will become as a result of setting and achieving it.

Take this holiday as a very good for example.  I will be forever changed by what has been planned, organised and achieved over the last year and in particular the execution of the final stages of the "goal" that has been our road trip around California and into Nevada over the last couple of weeks.  I have not crossed off one item off my must do before I die list, rather I have crossed off about a dozen.

1. My first trip to America
2. My first ride in a helicopter
3. Experiencing:
 - Las Vegas
 - Big Sur
 - helicopter flight and the fact that I get motion sickness - hey not all experiences are good :-D but I don't care, I will do it again
 - Carmel
 - An American Diner
 - Driving a left hand drive car - albeit not very far, but I did it
 - Elephant seals in the wild - one I could never have predicted I would EVER achieve on this or any other trip
 - Yosemite - but alas no bears
 - Tasting a margarita for the first time

A girlfriend saw snow
A friend had also never been in a helicopter

And we got to see one of the 7 natural wonders of the world - The Grand Canyon.

Can you imagine what kind of person you would have to become if you really were that fit, toned and skinny person?
Or what you would now smell like if you were smoke free?
Or how about what you would be doing to achieve the status of being a "millionaire" or business owner?

You wouldn't be doing what you are doing now and that is a fact.

If your goals are in the ho hum kind of category as mine have been in the past, may I suggest you take one last look at that list. File it away and start again.

What do you REALLY want to:

DO?
BECOME?
SEE?

Isn't it time to get excited about your goals? Come on - today's it's VEGAS :-D I've always wanted to see VEGAS and i'm here - right now.

Excuse me while I go and whoop and holler all the way down to the strip

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Magic wands and rolls of the dice STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits CATEGORY: Change Management DATE: 04/08/2012 01:58:10 AM ----- BODY:

If your fairy godmother could wave her magic wand for you and say

"Cinderella - you will go to the ball"

What would your life be like?

It is a very serious question - with a huge number of connotations to consider:

I'm sorry to say BUT we don't have magic wands OR fairy godmothers - what we do have though is a decision to make.

A few days ago I was in Vegas - some would say THE gambling capital in the world. It was a fascinating place to be and not because I gamble. As someone once said "I never gamble with my money - just my life" But you ought to have seen the people who were keeping everything crossed... hoping.

Life is a gamble, do you risk everything and go for what you want?
Or do you roll the dice and hope your numbers come up?

What I do hope is that you take the time over the Easter break to determine how you want to live your life from this moment - and start to put into practice those little things that mean you will get there. And when people ask how you got your lucky break, or managed your "overnight success" you can tell them - it started with a decision to live my life the way I needed to.

To life.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How you do anything ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/14/2012 07:15:42 AM ----- BODY:

"How you do anything, is how you do everything"
anon

Before you dismiss that statement, take a good look at it with regards to your life at the moment.

Do you say things like, "no I disagree, I only let one or two things slide - and then only when I don't have the time"

So - you're perfect in all other areas of your life the rest of the time?

I would have to say that we sometimes have off days, and sometimes we have brilliant days. What I am looking for here is an overall consideration of what would be an average day, with no pressing deadlines and nothing to hurry for kind of day. Still working flat out? Or are you like most people - easing off the gas pedal a little?

"Taking a breather" after all we do have the luxury of time on our side - don't we?

The trouble with easing up just a little - and getting away with it, means you can (if you are not careful) fall into the trap of doing just enough to get by ALL the time.

As you set your weekly targets this weekend, remember "How you do anything, is how you do everything" and see if that can't motivate you to greater achievements.

Best

elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What's the Pinterest? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Bucket List DATE: 04/19/2012 01:16:32 AM ----- BODY:

THE new thing taking the world by storm (or so it seems)...

I'm usually a little faster getting onto the geek wagon, but hey I've been on holiday :-) And no I am not being horrid to all things geek, I do consider myself to be geek savvy, and am proud to say one of the early adopters of Twitter :-)

But what is it?

Well from what I can gather having only just been accepted to join, is that it is a pin board for all those things "we" find interesting. So for all you bucket listers out there wanting a very neat way of storing all your must have's, want to's and need to go there places - I feel it is an excellent place to keep all your images in the one place AND the reason WHY.

I have just started posting quotes taken from the many editions of the Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine - given that it spans 6 years there is a lot of material to go through. But I am adding the relevant quote to a photograph - a reminder for me just how powerful goals can be as they come from our recent road trip around California and across the border into Nevada.

If you are on Pinterest and would like to connect - I can be found at

http://www.pinterest.com/motivate8me

In the mean time - get pinning

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's amazing what you can do STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/23/2012 11:16:11 AM ----- BODY:

It's amazing what you can do when you are struck by a bolt of imagination AND energy.

I have a couple of hundred books I've been storing for about 6 months. I'd re-arranged the house while painting and I just hadn't gotten around to

a) finding the money to buy new book shelves
b) found any within my price range
c) couldn't work out - how to get around either problem

During the week it hit me

What are bookshelves usually made of?

Derrr

WOOD

And what holds them up - more wood, glue, sometimes nails and not much else ...

So I thought - what if I could use something else besides wood to separate and stabilize the shelves? Let's face it, I'm not much of a carpenter.

I first thought about using books as the side support - but that would mean not being able to read these books and they've been out of sight for too long as it is... and that's when my second idea hit me ... I have a pile of paving bricks outside from another project that are currently housing the local cricket population ... so it meant an afternoon of re-housing the crickets, cleaning the bricks, finding the books, fetching the wood and sorting the books ...

3 hours and $80 that's all it took in the end.

You can see the results of this afternoon's work if you'd like ... http://www.motivateme.info/gallery/job-done/

What can you do if you think about things differently?

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Play to your strengths STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/29/2012 06:37:27 AM ----- BODY:

How many times a day do you "beat" yourself up over those things you say you are not good at?

* Gosh I'm useless
* I don't think I can do that

Why do we do it? Well, everyone has something that we like to call "our inner critic" and it is alive, well and thriving - because we are constantly feeding it, and it us, with it's negative comments.

* pffft - who do you think you are?
* No way
* No, no, no, no - I didn't realise that was even in my vocabulary until it was pointed out to me ...

It just amazes me how ingrained these comments and thoughts impact on our lives. They stop us dead in our tracks, every time. When you say you can't do something, you won't try, or the effort will be half-hearted at best. "See I told you I was useless..."

Of course as with all things, it's not just our inner critic which is having a field day at our expense. If you've ever lived with a negative person, or someone who delights in putting you down, is it any wonder we struggle to get going in a morning?!

So, let's just stop for a moment and take a look at what we are good at.

* What are you good at?
* When was the last time you praised yourself for something you did and did well? You'd acknowledge the achievements of the people you work with, you praise your kids if they did something really well - so why not ourselves?

Is it because we can't see what we are good at? Do we take ourselves that much for granted?

Scary thought isn't it?

I am a published author and a successful writer, yet you would think I had never put pen to paper sometimes, let alone string a cohesive sentence together if my inner critic is anything to go by. Ssssh I'm trying to write ...

Today I would like you to take some time, and a very large sheet of paper (assuming you don't have a journal) and I want you to write at the top

"Things I am good at" and / or "Things I have achieved"

Then I would like you to spend as much time as you need over the course of the next couple of days and fill in the blanks.

Revel in the knowledge that no-one is exactly the same as you, with your skills and abilities. What have you got to offer that no-one else has? What do you take for granted about yourself?

Remember, this is your private list - and anything goes.

And the beauty of having a list like this is simple - when you need a reminder of just how good you are - read your list. Oh yes I'd forgotten I'd achieved that ...

With much thought and very long lists.
 
Elle

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: C.eddy EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 71.192.178.98 URL: DATE: 04/29/2012 05:14:59 PM I can so relate to this article! That annoying little inner critic wakes up with me everyday. The slightest bit of weakness & it's gotcha. Confusion sets in...suddenly you went from a successful photographer to someone who doesn't even know how to work a camera. OMG by the time "he's" done your exhausted & ready to pull all the shades down go back to bed, pull the blankets over your head & call it a day. Then one day I read a poster - It said "One Positive Word Can Change Your Day"....... Now when that annoying pest comes around - I remember that saying.....Stops it dead in its tracks......Try it you may surprise yourself & have a great day! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Why coaches and mentors are so important STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching DATE: 05/02/2012 01:48:13 PM ----- BODY:

We may think we are brilliant, we may think we know it all. But I am putting my hand up right now - I don't, and I will find as many people who are experts in their field to help me.

I consider myself to be reasonably fit, but after 3 weeks away (albeit with lots of walking involved) I knew I had lost some of my overall strength and fitness. What do they say about not being able to bottle fitness and save it for a rainy day. Let me tell you - you can't. The first week back in the gym - hurt - a lot. Did it stop me from going? Absolutely not. In fact I enlisted the help of the personal trainers who run the group training sessions at the gym where I go to train and asked them to make sure I didn't slack off. Today (not quite 3 weeks later), I was able to complete most of the exercises without stopping, and without my muscles seizing up, and I know that on Saturday they are going to ensure the weights are heavier. Why would they do that?

Because they know, and I know, that if they don't a) increase the reps b) change the frequency or c) change the weights I am not going to improve, in fact I am likely to go backwards. I am likely to take it easy because I know I can do it. They know if they constantly challenge, constantly push me, they ensure that I am constantly changing.

And if personal trainers can do that for my health and fitness, what else could I benefit from?

What else could you benefit from?

The truth is, we all need outside help. We may not like it, but we know that in order to succeed and exceed our own expectations we need to find experts in their field, so they can challenge us in ours. For example:

* Authors need editors
* Students need tutors as well as teachers
* Most of us need financial and insurance advice
* Small business owners need a variety of assistance - from how to set up a small business, to bookkeepers and admin staff (along with a lot of other things)
* And we wouldn't go to plumber if we needed brain surgery now would we?

So - why do most people assume they can go it alone? Hint - you can't. And why would you. Why would you attempt to learn everything there is to learn about everything when "others" already have the expertise you need.

But what of specialist coaches and mentors?

To my mind, these are the proactive members of our team (the others mainly reactive). We make appointments, we set these up and pay for them in advance. They challenge our assumptions, they ask us to think about things a little differently and they are constantly challenging our minds as well as our professional development. And boy do they push. Just like the health team who are constantly on my case - coaches and mentors expect answers and results. They want us to complete their assignments - otherwise what is the point in having them? 2nd hint - if you are paying for that kind of advice and you are not taking it. Stop paying them money and send it to me instead... the results are the same. You don't grow, and the recipient of the money can enjoy your silliness... let me know if you want my bank details :-)

Your challenge today is to make an honest assessment of your own skills and the areas where you know you lack direction and ability.

Then

Pick one area and find someone who can help you better yoursef.

The beauty of this, is you may not need to pay for it. Students - you know who are good at what subjects, so, can you organise study groups?
Small business owners, in fact - all business owners should have a mentoring group. But a good tip here, don't associate with businesses and people in the same financial category as you. Aim for those businesses who are doing better than you. So you can grow. The truth is, we tend to gravitate towards people in similar situations as our own. Don't believe me - you do the work and tell me I'm wrong. The ones who are willing to climb out of the box that is their comfort zone are the ones who are going to succeed, while the rest are still thinking about it.

And that is something to think about.

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Just for today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/25/2012 11:37:42 AM ----- BODY:

Being a success is doing your best, not being the best.
Chris Widener

If we can just get over ourselves, our ego that is, we would realise that what we did today is just a stepping stone to tomorrow's achievements. We simply cannot sit on our heels and expect the accolades to roll in based on what we did today and plan to do nothing from here on in "because I am the best" - let's face it - that's simply delusional. No one is THAT good.

Mohammed Ali might have said he was the greatest, but that did not stop him from training every day.

And neither should you.

That being the case, I would like to suggest that you do 1 thing better today, than you ever have done in the past. You know there is always room for improvement right? But I don't want you to try and do everything better today, just take 1 thing, 1 aspect where you know you have been a little slack and work at it to the best of your ability. Just for today. Push yourself.

* Instead of studying for an half an hour at a time, try studying for 40 minutes before you take a break.
* Don't stop at 10 push ups, aim for 12
* Read 2 chapters of the book you have put to one side
* Make 1 more phone call to your new business prospects
* Reach out and help just one more person.
* If you are a natural worrier - try this one simple technique - Smile - all day. don't worry, people won't think you are mad, you would be surprised at how many smiles you will get in return. Believe me it is almost impossible to worry when you have a smile on your face.

Then tomorrow, repeat the process but with a different task / aspect - while maintaining the new standard from the day before.

In a few short weeks you will have improved so much AND your achievements will come much faster. Surely that has got to be worth that little bit of extra effort today.

elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Never, never, never give up STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action DATE: 05/09/2012 01:40:17 PM ----- BODY:

At his famous Stanford graduation talk Steve Jobs said, "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool that I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.  Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.  Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Are you following yours, or are you still following someone else's plans for your life?

Given the subject line of today's message from Winston Churchill, I will ask you whether or not you are willing to get to the end of your life without fulfilling your greatest dreams and goals?

I hope you said "NO" to the latter question.

Let's face it, it doesn't matter if your greatest dreams and goals takes you  5 weeks, 5 months, 5 years or 5 decades to reach. It's really what you are doing every day that will determine your success or not. So what did you today to ensure you moved just 1 step closer to that point?

Case in point, I read an article today that proves just what you can do if you want something badly enough, and you are willing to do the work, day after agonising day. Would you spend 16 days completing the London Marathon at just 3 and bit kilometres per day? Or would you decide it was all too hard and not worth the time and effort? What would you do if you hadn't been able to walk at all for 5 years after an accident, and the chance of walking was slim to nil. Well that was the goal of a paralysed woman who with the aid of a bionic suit (think RoboCop) finished the course - walking with the suit and 2 canes, despite being completely paralysed from the chest down. You can read more at http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8464396/uk-woman-completes-marathon-in-bionic-suit

"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Lao Tzu

with love and light

elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How much do you spend on yourself? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Personal development CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 03/17/2012 07:16:25 AM ----- BODY:

I'm sure you buy things for yourself: New clothes, shoes, smellies, undies and other "stuff".

But how much do you spend on "you" and your future self?

* How many books did you buy last year?
* How many seminars did you go on?
* How many programs did you buy?

Added up, how much did you spend on "pleasure" as opposed to your future you?

Let me give you an interesting point.

Every book I've read on the subject of the people who have made it into the top 20% of their profession spend between 3 and 10% of their current income on their future development.

So if you currently earn around 30,000 you should be spending between $900 and $3000 on your future you.

Put it into perspective, you can spend $1,000 a year on coffee alone if you buy a single cup of coffee every working day for 48 weeks of the year ... so it's not a lot of money.

The question is why should you?

Earlier I stated that the people who make it into the top 20% of their profession spend ... wouldn't you like to know how they got into the top 20% of their profession, and as a result were able to buy the cars, the house they wanted, vacation where they wanted? They read the books, listened to the programs, went to the seminars and then they applied that new knowledge to their current working life and attitude. How do professional people dress? How do they speak? How do they speak to their customers? When do they speak to their customers? How many appointments do they make? How many times do they go the extra mile? How much do they make for their companies and then for themselves?

I think it speaks for itself.

Action steps:

* Work out what you are currently worth
* Work out what you would like to be worth
* Work out how much you need to spend on your future self to ensure you join the 20% of your profession

And

* For every new piece of information you are given. Add it to your current way of life / doing things and see if it doesn't make a difference.

I can guarantee it will.

With many thoughts

Elle

p.s. I have added another item to the reading list I am creating. I found it in my local library after I realised it wasn't one in my personal collection. Well, it soon will be - I've just ordered it :-)

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/2/6/100-things-that-ive-read-in-100-days-that-may-interest-you.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: S Silver EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 71.178.108.191 URL: DATE: 03/18/2012 07:53:42 AM I am budgeted for and am living on 70% of what I earn, 15% for near term saving and 15% retirement saving. That is above the 30+ year pension and social security. When I needed money for a new car in 2008, I saved over 3 years and paid $25,000 cash for it. I walk in scruffy, hand them a check and they nearly sh*t. Credit cards are never run up. I use visa or master card debit cards with cash backing at my bank. My nest egg is over 4 times my gross pay and getting bigger. With investments it is doubling every 4 years. It has not been easy chopping off 30% of my wage, there have been sacrifices, mostly my wants, so the future might be less troublesom. Many of my co-workers have not saved a penny and are relying on 30 to 35 years pension alone. They may experience the belt tightening in the later years that they were strong enough to overcome in their earlier years. The future is never cheaper than the past or present. Start as soon as possible and let market intrest work for you. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Move through fear STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Success and Failure DATE: 05/16/2012 01:49:06 PM ----- BODY:

---------------------------
Things said, things not said
Things done or not completed
Exams, tests, assignments to complete, parties to go to - study or not? Party or not?
Will there be enough money?
What will happen if the bus is late?
What will happen if ...

Worry, fear, sleepless nights, comfort eating, have a drink to calm the nerves after a "bad" day, go to bed, toss and turn, look dreadful the next day, nothing fits, back to black - low self esteem, barbed comments ...

Truth is, most of us worry over things that may never happen.
It is also the truth that most of us are far stronger than we ever give ourselves credit for, because when the proverbial hits the fan - guess what, not only do we cope, but we find strength we didn't know we possessed - until we had no other choice.

Why?

Well some of it could be put down to our environment, our upbringing, our relationships with family members, co-workers and "bad" neighbours. But a lot of it is because we are afraid.

What are you afraid of? We are not talking about phobias but:

    People who are Afraid of Failure - rarely start anything,
    People who are Afraid of Success - worry about how they will sustain it,
    People who are Afraid of Change - you like your comfort zone - sort of,
    People who are Afraid of Truly Living - are usually afraid of all of the above.

Does this sound like you? I know it sounds like me, because I lived it - day in, day out. And where did it get me?

I became an overweight, worried insomniac.

So how can you stop this fear?

I feel that because it is a learned behaviour, we can unlearn it and move through fear into our personal strength and power. Think of the baby learning to walk, climb stairs, empty cupboards, stick sandwiches in the DVD player - they don't care what the outcome will be - they're too busy getting on with their lives.  They don't care how many times they fail, they will master the art of - what is that standing on 2 feet thing called again - oh yes, walking, after all what use is that padded thing following me around all day if it's not to land on and cushion my butt.

But like all patterns of behaviour it may take a little it of time. So what happens if you need to stop worrying NOW?

2 things to try.

Be in the NOW - don't worry about tomorrow, you can't do anything about tomorrow, except prepare as best you can. That means forgoing the party for the extra bit of studying and the hope of a decent nights sleep. Accept that what happens tomorrow you will handle it, well or not - but you will handle it, because you have to.

Step into someone else's shoes. Think of a childhood super hero, how would they handle your problem? How would your coaches, mentors, trainers, parents - handle it? How can you incorporate the way they would do something to your situation? Step into their power and move through fear into action.

And as you handle each situation, your self esteem grows. If you can handle THAT what else can you handle?

Step into your own power and you can eliminate your fear of not being able to cope.

With love and light

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day Challenge - Why our lives are like the caucus race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 02/18/2012 05:43:12 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge: 18th February 2012
---------------------------

'What is a Caucus-race?'said Alice ...

'Why,' said the Dodo, 'the best way to explain it is to do it.' ...

First it marked out a race-course, in a sort of circle, ('the exact shape doesn't matter,' it said,) and then all the party were placed along the course, here and there. There was no 'One, two, three, and away,' but they began running when they liked, and left off when they liked, so that it was not easy to know when the race was over... http://sabian.org/alice_in_wonderland3.php

Have you ever felt your life was like the caucus race? Not knowing what you've done, how far you've gone or indeed how far left there is to go.

While the challenge does help, it helps even more if you know what you want and what you are going to do every day to reach it...

So a couple of easy questions to begin with:

1. how many hours are there in a day? and
2. how many half hours are there?

Out of those 24 hours or 48 half hours per day do you spend working on your challenges?

Ok, you say you need more time, well lets do some simple arithmetic

From the 24 hours

- take away the time you sleep
- travelling time to and from work
- the time at work - when you are working
- the time you waste while at work (be honest)
- how much time you take for breaks including lunch
- what time you spend at home - break it down, what time do you spend fetching takeout, cooking dinner, eating it, doing the dishes and chores, supervising homework or doing your own
- how much time do you spend watching tv or playing games, time on facebook or twitter 9that isn't business related)?
- how much time do you spend reading and responding to emails

now - how much time do you spend on your challenges?

If you are completely honest, there will be blocks of time when you could be more productive. The time when you get to work for instance, while the computer is warming up and you are wafting for the kettle to boil or the caffeine to kick in. Then there is the mid morning slump, the time you wander down the corridor to find someone to have a natter to; Lunch time - do you really need to spend all that time eating and socialsing? Mid afternoon - that time you crave something sweet to get you through the rest of the afternoon.

We can of course add in all the time you spend in front of the computer and / or tv

And the commute to and from work.

If you look at this way, it doesn't take much to dramatically increase your productivity levels. All you have to be is more aware of the time you spend and decide if that IS the way you want to spend that time.

For example:
Listen to something productive in the car rather than drive time radio, save yourself the pain of all the inane blather and learn something new, or listen to the audio books and programs you have purchased over the years and never got around to it. Then there is the time you spend on the train or the bus to work. Walk during half your lunch break or do as the ex -CEO did of Campbells combined his daily workout while walking through the workplace and engaged with his employees at the same time - http://www.rogeredwardjones.com/authentic-leadership-styles/2012/2/7/combining-employee-engagement-with-a-daily-workout.html

Today marks the end of week 7 of 2012. You should by now know what you want to achieve during the rest of this year. My major goal from last year culminates in March of this year. And you get to share in the fun.... I'll reveal all tomorrow.

For today though all I would ask is that you balance your "normal" day to day stuff. Be honest about where you are spending your time and work out ways you can incorporate more time for those challenges you have laid down for yourselves.

You won't always get it right, sometimes it may seem like it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back... but as long as the general momentum is forward you will do better than 90% of the rest of the population.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You've achieved a major goal - now what? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/21/2012 11:51:37 AM ----- BODY:

Once you have achieved a major goal, several things can happen.

It can inspire you to go for something even bigger the next time, or it can be a time for feeling deflated.

You've saved for years to go on the holiday of your dreams, the lead up, the planning, the preparation, the last minute decisions - and then the big day arrives and you are on your way. You live through weeks of excitement, and all too soon the holiday is over. One day you are doing amazing, interesting things - the next you're back at work - and within a few weeks it's as if you've never been away. Habits and routine kick in, and - Deflation - big time.

As Wile E. Coyote found out when he finally caught the road runner  ...



So - how can you counter this?

1) Celebrate the achievement
2) Have more than one BIG goal on the boil, before the last one ends.

With much love and laughter and extra goal setting

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's never too late to change the road you are on STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/23/2012 01:38:08 PM ----- BODY:

It is NEVER too late to decide that the road you are on is the wrong road for you. Only a fool will stay on the wrong road.

Take our school years as a good example - how many of you hung around the "wrong" crowd?

How long did it take you to realise that the crowd you were with, would determine what you would: say, do, be and achieve - not only in school but in your further education and perhaps even into your working life? I was lucky, my friends transcended all the groups - from sports through geeks. I had friends in all camps :-)

But, when I was going through school there were a few kids I thought had it all, and would be destined for GREAT things. So it was interesting to go through Friends Reunited to discover that most of the kids didn't do much beyond what was expected of them by their peers. Of the one or two who did great things, there were a couple who were a complete surprise to me. As I suppose I would have been to those who expected me to be, well - ordinary. Put it like this, I still have the childish urge to go and find my last English teacher - you know the one who said I would never amount to anything and blow him a very big raspberry. But like I said, that would be childish... sticks fingers in ears and waggles fingers ...

And unsurprisingly the current generation aren't any better it seems. Going through High School, I would advise my daughter that the girls she was hanging around with didn't have any kind of ambition. Not only that, but she was dumbing down her intelligence to "fit in". She even went through an entire year of hospitality before coming to the realisation that perhaps mum wasn't so wrong after all. Of the girls she used to hang around with, one had a child at 16, 1 is a hairdresser and another works in a clothes shop. Now, I know we need - mums, hairdressers and shop assistants, it's just that I knew my daughter would never be happy working as a waitress / barista for the rest of her working life.

Thankfully she did change stream, and is now part way through a business degree. And even better than that - today she found out she had passed an economics exam. A subject she had "failed" in high school.

She is of course, now hanging around some different people, people like her who have the ambition and drive to do better. Well done Rhi:

Some thoughts to ponder:

* It is never too late to change direction
* It is never too late to mix with a different class of people.
* You can be more, do more and achieve more - if you believe you can, and
* You take the steps to do the work required.

You have one life, why not go for BIG things

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do as I say, not as I do: Simple ways to demotivate your staff and everyone around you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/28/2012 05:18:32 AM ----- BODY:

I try as hard as I can to motivate you. I just thought I would share some easy ways to demotivate those people around you, especially in the workplace. This of course is not an exhaustive list, but if you do have people who look up to you - and you can spot one or two things in this list that shriek "oh no..." perhaps you can make some changes, or pass on to those who might also benefit from knowing others are watching every move they make.

   Come in late and leave early
   Take long "lunch" breaks
   Go out for coffee "meetings" and pretend they are business related
   Take additional time out of your working day to pick up dry cleaning, get your hair cut and run other errands
   Talk really loudly on the telephone about everything other than work
   Insist on talking work during other people's lunch breaks
   Micro manage your staff
   Talk with your mouth full
   Talk over everyone, while pretending to listen
   Tell your people that times are hard, and "WE" need to make sacrifices just before you leave for an extended holiday
   Give yourself a pay rise, while insisting "they" deserve it while we lesser mortals should turn off heating and air conditioning units if we can't pay our bills (politicians take note)
   Take credit for other people's work
   Insult people and pretend it's a joke *just kidding*
   Fail to wash and clean your teeth
   Wear the same disgusting suit every single day after cycling to work - and not having a shower before changing (I worked with a guy like that once - ewwww)

The list is endless and I'm sure you could add one or two of your own. In fact I insist you do - but no names please...

The point is, we are all being judged, every single day, by everyone we come into contact with. What impression are you making?

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't wait until tomorrow STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Law of Attraction DATE: 02/13/2012 11:54:10 AM ----- BODY:

Tomorrow of course is Valentine's Day

Why do we spend so much time, effort and energy on this day?

Is it because we feel guilty for not sharing our time, effort and energy the rest of the year? Or are we used to doing special things for our partners and loved ones that tomorrow is a perfect excuse for doing 1 more wonderful thing for them.

I prefer the latter - but then again I guess I am just lucky because my partner and I do things for each other - because we can and because we want to - on random days. Because, anyday can be special if you make it so.

While I am not saying you shouldn't do something special tomorrow, or on other big occassions such as birthdays and anniversary's - doing something special on what could be just another day in the year really does mean more... well to me it does anyway and I am sure your loved ones would feel the same way.

And while we are on the subject of doing something special for people, have you considered "paying it forward"? Paying for someone behind you at the toll booth, buying the 4th person behind you a cup of coffee (so they don't know it's from you), putting dollar lottery scratch cards on your office workers desks, buying cake for morning tea, picking up the litter as you go for your morning walk, smiling at perfect strangers... there are a million different ways to make a difference - and a million different ways of not bothering. Yes we are all busy, but can you imagine how amazing life would be if there were spontaneous and random acts of kindness happening around the world.

So - Tomorrow, as well as doing something special for your loved ones, why not make a strangers day - because you can

With many thoughts

Elle

And if you want to share your random act of kindness - after all (even though it would be amazing if it happened) not everyone reads these musings  ... you can add yours here ...

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When you don't walk the walk STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Leadership CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Role Models DATE: 02/06/2012 01:07:34 PM ----- BODY:

I drive a lot of miles each day. Consequently I get to see a lot of "interesting" driving.

Take tonight for instance. 3 lanes of solid traffic, all moving at the speed limit (makes a change). One gentleman screams up behind me and begins to inch closer and closer to my bumper - I don't know about you, but i hate people who think that if they bully and harass you long enough you'll get out of the way. I normally slow down for people like this, I don't care if they are late for dinner - you don't ride my bumper and hope that I will give in gracefully. Thankfully the 2 cars either side of me didn't let the idiot through either.

Unfortunately we couldn't play that game for long because he weaved through us at the next set of traffic lights, and promptly played dodgems through the traffic - and then I caught up with him.

He was driving a company vehicle, emblazoned with the corporate logo, signage and telephone number on the back. So, making sure my car was in neutral, handbrake on I got out my notebook and pen and wrote down his number plate and I will be speaking with the company tomorrow.

What (and I don't know which adjective to use here) amused / amazed / horrified me - a little while later I caught up with the same idiot who had decided to slow down and was doing 20 kilometres below the speed limit - because between his hands on the top of the steering wheel was a BOOK. He was reading and driving at the same time. I just wish I could have taken a picture, because you just had to see it to believe it. It was probably an appointments book, which makes it even worse. What company insists their employees have to cram so many appointments into a single day, they are not given enough time between appointments to make the drive in a safe manner?

For the owners of the organisations who receive this - a word of advice for your next team meeting - your business is on show all the time if you have corporate vehicles emblazoned with your name on it. Similarly every time someone wears a "uniform" and has the name of the company / store stuck across their body somewhere.

My question to you as you go about your day is this

Are the people who work for you / you work with walking the walk - or should they be walking the plank?

Apologies for the vent, but corporate standards of dress and behaviour have always been a pet peeve of mine ... just so you know.

Best

Elle

--------------------------
100 Day Challenge Update:
---------------------------
I promised you a compilation of items that I will have read during the 100 days of the challenge that MAY interest you. Some will, some won't... but there will be at least 100 things in the list by the end of the 100 days and my reasons why they impacted on me.

The first 3 are ready for your perusal including today's

Would you throw away a book? How about hundreds of them? I have ...

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/2/6/100-things-that-ive-read-in-100-days-that-may-interest-you.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What is the opposite of your current life situation? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/01/2012 11:36:30 AM ----- BODY:

Have you considered what the opposite of your life would be like?

I don't mean, what would it be like to be the opposite gender, but consider

* If you have a successful business, what would it be like to have an under performing one? How would it make you feel?
* If you have 2 incomes going into your household, what would it be like to live on just one, or on minimum wage. What would your life be like?
* If you are fit and healthy, what would it be like to be unfit and unhealthy - what would your day be like? What would you be eating?
* If you have a loving spouse, what would it be like to have one who doesn't care?
* If you have kids - what would your life be like without them?
* If you drive, what would it be like to not be able to?
* If you are fully capable of walking - what would it be like to be in a wheelchair - how would that impact your life?

Yes it is important to have goals and projects to keep us moving forwards, but there are times when we may forget what we have already. How would you cope if you lost it all?

I feel it is an exercise worthy of completing.

What is your life currently like? What is the opposite of that?

If there are areas where you feel you need to change, what steps can you take today that will ensure you reach the "other" side?

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What 3 things do you want to achieve this year? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/04/2012 01:13:39 PM ----- BODY:

if you had to choose - What three things do you want to accomplish this year? Write them down and put post it notes EVERYWHERE.

It is said, the physical act of writing down your goals, increases the chance of success - so that being said

Do you write down your goals / tasks / to do lists for the day? When do you write them?

If you don’t do this already, I would like you to begin the habit of writing your task list out the night before. Just as you would get lunches, sports gear and school bags ready, so your task list should be written the night before as well.

This is important for several reasons:

1. You do not get to the office / school / uni wondering what you are going to be doing that day;
2. Anything personal that you need to do is also allocated time, for example before and after work and lunch times can be used effectively if you plan your day (good for sports based activities we usually say we don't have time to do);
3. You can decide what does not need doing by you at all.

If you don’t have time to clean the house, keep the garden neat and tidy AND work on your goals, then hire someone else to do those tasks for you. You do not need to do everything yourself, and why should you? If I need a tap changing, I don’t spend months reading up on plumbing techniques – I call a plumber to do it for me - saves time and lots of swearing. Just as I don’t have time to mow my lawns during daylight hours, and my neighbours may get a little annoyed if I do it at 8 o clock at night in the dark, I find other ways to complete the task. For example, last time I traded driving practice time with my teenage son, he got 2 hours of practice, I got an hour of mowing done.

Make a habit of writing out your task list out the night before. But don't just have a list of stuff that needs doing, rather - each task should, over time move you towards your long term goal(s). Anything else is just “stuff” which you may not need to do.

Oh and if you only had the chance to achieve 3 things this year - what would they be?

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do you have more or less energy after you've made a decision? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/06/2012 01:02:27 PM ----- BODY:

Have you noticed what happens when we make a decision to do something? Things just seem to fall into place.

So a Question for today?

Do you have more or less energy after you've made a decision?

Energy.

Most people assume you would have less energy once you have completed a series of tasks and / or a goal item. I've discovered several things.

After we got back from our big holiday in LA and Nevada this year, I lost some momentum. That is understandable. Several major goals achieved, sensory overload, and a year of planning – and then it was all over. Once I'd worked out that was quite normal, I began to pick myself up and have started working on the ways and means to get me to my next set of major goals.

Once I had made the decision however, the energy was back – and multiplied 10 fold. The reason is of course – well if I can achieve THAT – then what else can I achieve?

The lack of energy for me is when I can't make a decision. When I am not clear on what I want, or when the tasks are so mundane they're not inspiring.

Have you set a BIG (as in MASSIVE) goal? If you haven't yet done so, I would like you to do that today please. As you are writing out your goal, I would like to you to start thinking what your life would be like when you finally set off for your private island (or whatever it happens to be). And then I would like you to think about all the steps you can think of now (others will appear as you move through the process), and write those down as well. As you do that, work out what 1 single action you can take today to bring that massive goal to you.

With many thoughts

elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Does age change your thinking? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/09/2012 06:42:53 AM ----- BODY:

Look at your life as it is now:

Now imagine -

What will it look like in 1 year?

What if you were just 17 and starting out in the world, would a year make a difference to you?

What if you were 37 - are you beginning to panic about what you have left to do or are you letting things slide? I'm 37, I have a mortgage, kids, bills up to my eyeballs ... i'm in the best financial and health shape I've been in, bring it on...

What if you were 70 - ready to give up? or are you ready to get started?

The reality is, they are just numbers. And if you want more, we are all given the same 24 hours in a day, and the same number of days in a week, a month and a year.

So why is it that some people do more than others?

I feel it comes down to the motivation of "because I want to"

What do you really want to do?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you motivated by external or internal “happiness”? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/11/2012 12:24:49 PM ----- BODY:

“We spend so much time yearning for that special item that will finally make us happy, that we don't take the time to look around and discover that we already are”
Anon

Question:
Are you motivated by external or internal “happiness”?

I feel that long term happiness needs to come from within. For some people however, the key to long term happiness lies in external stimuli. Shopping sometimes takes the place of having a meaningful goal to work on, and a lot of people use drugs and alcohol as a way of blocking out …. If you have ever been in that situation you may have realized that to get the same effect you need to do more of it to reach the same level of enjoyment as before. Let’s face it, they are not called addictive behaviors for nothing.

So if long term happiness comes from within ourselves, what can we do to ensure that we have a healthy dose of “happiness”?

One of the keys I feel is finishing things. No, I don't mean that last bottle of wine before collapsing into bed. One of the reasons we procrastinate is because we feel we don't have energy to complete a particular task. When in reality, the truth is, the way to get more energy is to complete the thing you have been putting off.  No I don't mean "just do it" I mean, just get rid of the flippin thing once and for all.

And you get rid of the anchor that’s hanging around your neck by putting so much effort into the task it can't fail even if it wanted to.

Most of us (if we are honest) put just enough feet dragging action into it, what I would like you to do right now, is to take a mad, flying leap and throw every resource, every ounce of energy you don't think you possess into creating MASSIVE, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DEFEAT ME ACTION.

Believe me when I say this – you are going to be feeling SOOOOOO good, you won't be able to help grinning from ear to ear.

Action step 2: Now, put that additional energy into the next task you've been putting off, and the next, and the next, until you don't have any more, stupid, niggling, procrastinated tasks lying around. Clear them away and bask in total and absolute fist pumping joy and happiness.

What MASSIVE action can you take?

Best

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can get more done when you take your mind off "it" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/13/2012 01:40:39 PM ----- BODY:

Personal trainers are sneaky. Have you noticed they like to exercise their jaws just as much as they exercise your muscles?

If you are a regular gym go-er like me, you may have noticed personal trainers forget to count, and because they are busy talking, and because you are focusing on something other than the weight or the reps - you can and do, do more than you expected to do. Case in point: I was supposed to do 3 sets of 12 reps of an exercise called "forehead crushers" - and the last set, instead of doing 12 reps, I did 35 ... because we were talking.

Now this is not being nasty or facetious, but when someone is focused on YOU, you respond. You listen, you interact and you forget what you are doing.

Have you ever been so engrossed in something you forget to eat and sleep. You go to bed at night and can't wait to get up in the morning ...

Can you remember the last time that happened to you? And it is a serious question.

How can you translate that to your current tasks and goals? Let me put it this way, if your tasks and goals don't make you forget what day of the week it is, you probably need a personal trainer (coach / mentor ) to help you push yourself further and faster than you thought you were capable of.

And that is important

Because you may not know what you are capable of until you are pushed beyond your current limits

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Make overlife success your goal. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Time Management CATEGORY: Success and Failure CATEGORY: Action DATE: 01/27/2012 11:47:08 AM ----- BODY:

"I don't have time" is perhaps THE most overused excuse there is.

Have you noticed, there are those people who always seem to find time to sit around the house / office and complain they don't have the time ... I'm sure you know one or two people like that, I know I do.

What amuses me is they found the time to sit around the house / office and complain about it. I bet they even found time to add that comment to facebook, send a message to their friends and managed to tell every person who came within earshot how they don't have the time.

Truth is we all have the time to do those things we want to do.

I think it isn't that we don't have the time, it's that we:

a) can't be bothered
b) are bored
c) want to be someplace else
d) all of the above

Now I know there will be times when we are all rushed off our feet and can't juggle everything there is to juggle. But in the main?

So how do we deal with our perceived lack of time?

1. Be honest - how are you using your time? Use the timelog we created, believe me it works - http://www.motivateme.info/downloads-and-free-stuff and it's absolutely fr** you just have to go and download it.

2. What would you prefer to be doing? What steps can you take today to reach that "goal"?

3. Find goals that excite you - if you have exciting things to work on and look forward to - you won't ever feel "bored" but you may genuinely say "I'm running out of time".

4. Take time out. If you HAVE been working without a break for weeks on end, then you do need to schedule in some down time. Time where you sit and do nothing. Recharge your brain. We may think we are being productive, but you cannot be productive 8 hours of every day it is a physical impossibility. And before you say - well if I don't do it then ... believe me we all think we are irreplaceable, butthe  truth is as Napoleon so rightly pointed out "the graveyeards are full of irreplaceable men"

5. Make time to exercise - every day. Schedule some physical activity into every single day - even if you have to diarise it. I love making appointments with my personal trainer - they keep me honest. Similarly with my self-imposed gym sessions - 3 times a week, they are an appointment I make with myself. I was there this morning at 6am and with my trainer tonight at 6pm - that was the only time she could get me in this week, so that was the time I went. Sometimes we have to go out of our way to do something we know we want to do. And isn't that the key?

6. Fake it until you make it - When you are complaining about a lack of time you are not going to be in the best of moods. However, if you can pretend you are enjoying what you are doing - at least the time will go faster.

Work out what exactly is important to you - that is the first step
Ensure that you do make time in your calendar to complete these activities.

Tomorrow marks the end of the first 4 weeks of 2012. Are you on track with your first month goals?

And don't worry if you think your achievements to date are tiny. It is these small, but measureable steps that lead us to achieving our bigger goals. Don't worry about overnight success - make overlife success your goal.

With many exciting days to look forward to

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: All leaders are readers STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/18/2012 11:12:53 AM ----- BODY:

"All leaders are readers", so said Jim Rohn. That's all well and good you say, but so what? "I read all the time, that doesn't make me a leader".

That may also be true.

What I have found is that the better leaders know how to take the information and knowledge gleaned from their reading and weave it throughout their conversations with the people they interact with, and in doing so can inspire the people they speak to, to bigger and better things. Of course, that's not the only reason leaders read so much, but more of that in a second.

A few years ago, I was doing some work with a small business. The owner of the company read a lot, she also watched a fair bit of television and made a point of watching the latest movies as well. BUT - The endless, boring recitation of plot lines and dialogue with her 2ic was painful to listen to. She hadn't learned a darn thing from any of it.

Is that a problem I hear you ask, surely books and movies can simply be for entertainment, they don't have to be translated into business speak - do they?

Well this particular business wasn't doing very well at the time, which made her use of time "interesting" to say the least. And given she still hasn't learned that particular lesson, something tells me her business will be struggling for some time yet.

But there is one thing I know for certain, those leaders who excel, read everything, and more importantly they don't just spout the facts to anyone they come across, they "see" how the information can be used and they inspire those around them.

I know down time is important, but if you are using precious time - AND there is a lesson to be learned from it, surely it would make sense to put that lesson into practice and your life.

Going back through your recent reading / watching  - what lessons did you miss? What lessons did you learn - and put into plan and action? How has that made a difference to you?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Well if he can, what on earth are we doing? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 01/21/2012 06:14:20 AM ----- BODY:

Today marks the end of the first 3 weeks of 2012. That means there is (yes you guessed it) just 10 days left in the first month of this year.

I won't beat about the bush - what have you managed to achieve so far this year?

If you are anything like most people, you will start the new year strong. Well it is the NEW YEAR and we all tend to start the new year with a renewed vigour. This IS the year I am going to ...

As you know, not only do I like to start the year strong (boy have I got some news to share with you soon), but I like to lay down the challenge to you, so that you can FINISH the year strongly too.

And no, we don't cruise through the middle of the year ... tsk, tsk

So, when I asked you recently if you were ready to start the new challenge - which is coming soon BTW, Andrew told me that not only was he in ... but what he had accomplished in the last 100 days of 2011.

I leave the next bit to Andrew, he said:

In the hundred days I managed to:

1. Get rid off my overdraft - no mean feat after my divorce.

2. Reduced from a 34" waist to a 32" waist (first time in about 20 years!!)

3. Got four dates confirmed to deliver my training workshops and kick start my business (first one this Sunday).

4. Came to an agreement on the divorce - just waiting for the solicitors to sign it all through and get it stamped.

5. Sold my house - I should be signing early next week and moving a week on Friday - it's been on the market for 18 months.

and a nearly done one of:

Stop smoking. Managed to stop for two months but caved in under some of the stress of achieving some of the above  - an excuse I know :), but not defeated and will revisit as soon as I move!

So, yes I'm up for the next challenge...

Andrew

*picks self off the floor*

I have to say it makes my last 100 days look pretty pathetic in comparison let me tell you.

Time to raise the game I say.

Were you able to top Andrew in last year's challenge ... if you can, and want to inspire your fellow readers, please email me and I will share your triumphs with the rest of the team ...

If you want to publicly share your first challenge goals for 2012 - you can do so here ... again, you don't need to add your name, but it would be nice if you did :-)

I'm cheating slightly as I am already working on my BIGGEST challenge already - well it is going to take me at least 3/4 of the year - yes I am finally going to get rid of the last 21 kilos I have been carrying round with me for the last 8 years, and have enlisted the help of not 1 but 2 dieticians, my partner, my personal trainer AND a gym to keep me on track ... shame the gyms scales were wrong at the start of the year and I was getting so excited too ... but I am a kilo down since wednesday so all is good ... But this year is already shaping up to be massive, and I don't just mean on the scale ...

Are you as excited as I am ...

Let me know what you want to achieve this year ... go on I challenge you to do so

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's nice to have it confirmed STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Overcoming procrastination CATEGORY: Procrastination help CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 01/16/2012 09:11:24 AM ----- BODY:

It's nice to have it confirmed:

"We're all innately creative...90% of inventing is putting in the hours and trying. You don't need to make a big leap, you need to take a thousand small steps"
James Jorasch


What small steps have you taken towards your goals today?

What do you mean you didn't have time????

This is why I love the challenge - all it asks is that just for today (and for the next 100 days) you complete small, but important steps towards what YOU say is important.

That's it.

And that is one of the keys to overcoming the procrastination habit. Why we are motivated to procrastinate is interesting of course. We may figure that we don't have huge chunks of time to work on our goals today - so we'll wait until  we can clear our schedules. Or it may be that we are not convinced what we say we want IS what we really want after all. Well, if it WAS important to you, then surely you would do something about it - wouldn't you?

Some suggestions on overcoming the procrastination habit - because we can make major inroads towards achieving our goals if we:

Don't think too far ahead.

Work for just 5 minutes on your project if you really don't want to start something. 5 minutes - you can do something / anything for 5 minutes.

Don't turn on the internet / email / social networks if you are struggling with the interruptions, especially if they are deliberate ones on your part. Get rid of the temptation - it's easier than you think to break that habit.

Give yourself a deadline, if there isn't one - if you really think you work better under pressure, then create deadlines. OK I have 40 minutes to create the draft outline of the report. Then I can get some feedback ... then i will block out each heading with bullet points of what I want to cover. Then I will be able to ...

And talking of the challenge... the new one starts shortly - who's in?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Would you do it? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 12/19/2011 10:43:53 AM ----- BODY:

If there was one simple thing that you could do today that would greatly improve and enhance your health, would you do it.

What if I told you that it would only take you 30 minutes per day to get the benefit of the treatment leaving you with 23 hours and 30 minutes left to do whatever you wanted, would that make it easier to say yes to?

If this "thing" could:

* reduce your knee arthritis by 47% with just 3 hours of treatment per week
* halted progression to Alzheimer's and dementia in older people by almost 50%
* reduces anxiety by 48%
* with depression and low dose medication there is a 30% improvement

And is the no 1 treatment of fatigue

Intrigued?

What if I told you ... no, you'd better watch Dr Mike Evans explain the treatment to you ...

Let me know if you're going to incorporate the treatment into your daily schedule? Oh and if you want to know the cost? Next to nothing ...



Now please excuse me, I'm just off to get my daily treatment

Elle




----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Planning ahead is essential, but for goodness sake don't forget about NOW STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Philosophy DATE: 12/17/2011 09:59:22 AM ----- BODY:

I was on Twitter yesterday, and saw a post that made me want to laugh / cry / throw my hands up in despair. The post went something like

"What are you doing for Australia Day, we are looking forward to ... insert link to some event"

Me being me, couldn't resist being a little sarcastic - sometimes it is probably wise to think before one tweets - but I stand by this comment. I said

"I was really thinking about getting the easter eggs sorted before the rush.... FGS (For Goodness Sake) can't we enjoy Christmas first?"

Funnily enough there wasn't a response from the tweeter. BTW for those who don't know Australia Day is January 26th - and over 5 weeks away. Had I wanted to know what events were on that day so I could organise whatever tickets I needed then OK, it was a fair enough comment - but given they didn't actually say WHO they were going to see, just promoting their event - NO, NO, NO, NO and NO.

I do however, understand the need for retailers need to organise stock and promotions months ahead, so they can put the Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns in the store on Boxing Day for those who want to buy them. I don't have to like it though and think it is a little sad, that we are being forced to think about consuming more, buying more, when all most of us want to do is enjoy the brief period of time we have been given away from work AND planning whatever lies ahead to enjoy being with family, friends and the items that we have purchased for THIS event.

So a plea, to everyone - yes, by all means plan ahead, just don't forget that you can't live your life constantly looking towards some event / time / happening in the future - NOW is all the time we have been given, so FGS enjoy the moment. PLEASE.

Elle


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You are very lucky STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/10/2011 09:54:15 AM ----- BODY:

It is interesting listening to the words people choose when they speak to people they are with - those conversations in passing we hear all the time. Sometimes I can't help but overhear the overly loud discussions of who, what, where and why - and in most cases I tune out the blah, blah, blah.

But one day last weekend, a couple of early 20's females were walking closely behind myself and my partner - said one to the other "I've had such a bad day"

Now, she might have, but I sensed a drama queen element in the massive after sigh so couldn't resist when I said overly loudly "compared to who, and compared to what"

If you are anything like most "normal" people you are probably rushing around the stores trying to find that perfect gift for aunt's you don't see and kids who wanted something other than what you will give them. If that is the case, then you are very lucky indeed because:

You have family and friends to buy for - some people don't
You have money to do so - some people don't
You are living in a place that allows freedom of choice - some people don't live where they have shops, let alone money to spend in them

Don't forget to count the blessings you have in abundance as we race towards the end of another year and a day of gift giving on the 25th December. Remember to some people it's just another day in an endless stream of days that have no particular meaning, other than hoping they have enough food to survive and a safe place to sleep.

And if that isn't something to think about ...

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: May the fourth be with you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/04/2012 01:43:55 PM ----- BODY:

Before I get into tonight's post, I would just like to wish everyone in the United States a happy 4th of July. I hope you enjoy your day with your families and friends, or for that matter - however you decide to spend the day.

BTW - Sorry the headline is from a Facebook post I saw today ... made me smile, even if it was a little corny, and yes it was complete with a pic of Yoda :-D

Now where was I?

Oh yes ...

I have lived most of my life by the Girl Guides Motto of "Be Prepared" ... not only was I girl guide, I am a Queens Guide :-D and a very proud one at that.

It's the sort of training that never leaves you. Add that to the fact that I am a "Virgo" and you can imagine how colour coded and organised my wardrobe is can't you.

I don't have any problem organising days in advance. How many sets of exercise gear do I need? What kinds of gear do I need? What else do I need to take / organise?

Some mornings I may not feel like exercising - this morning was a perfect example. I am fighting a cold AND a rolled ankle, I also did not sleep well last night - so when the alarm went off this morning I struggled to get up and get going. So I didn't get to the gym this morning, but spent the time planning a project instead. But come 5pm, and a slight change to the training plan (wednesday evening is usually interval training), my daughter arrived to drive home (she's still on her L plates bless). She arrived complete with her training gear, and on the way home we headed to the local swimming pool. My daughter did not want to be there - AT ALL ... and I can appreciate that. But her "fear" came from embarrassment and being seen in public wearing not very much. Until she saw what everyone else looked like in not very much, and she began to relax. So much so, that when I suggested she get out, she stayed in the pool and swam as many laps as I did while watching the "oldies" doing aqua aerobics, the swim squad doing their training and the people of all ages taking lessons. She even stopped complaining long enough to appreciate the different kind of training would have on her body shape. She heads to Bali for her first holiday with a girl friend in a couple of weeks - she says she needed to lose some weight (yeah right) so you would think she would appreciate the experience.

Well, not at the time... but now, after showering off at home - the question - are we swimming again next Wednesday mum?
Are you going to whinge as much?
Probably not - she said

I have to say I am NOT the perfect height / weight. I have not swum for years - because I always said I didn't do "getting wet" - but with not being able to run, and the bike causing as much pain in the ankle with the reps ... I needed to keep my training on track, so I had to suck it up and in (if you excuse the pun) and just do it.

To me it is amazing what you can do if you let the fear subside enough to just give something a go, and you are organized enough to ensure your various training gear is in the boot of the car before you leave home. Because one thing I know for absolute certainty is this - if you go home first, you will find a million reasons NOT to go training.

And this 'trick' works for most everything else too. So I didn't go to the gym this morning, but I didn't let the time go to waste. I always have at least one notebook and a pen in my bag. Add in a tablet, my smart phone and I can pretty much work from anywhere.

But if you need a push, then find someone who is willing to lend a helping hand. As the saying goes, why reinvent the wheel... just make a better one.

With many thoughts

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Smooth sailing? No, probably not STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Role Models DATE: 12/07/2011 02:02:50 PM ----- BODY:

If everything was as easy as going from A to B without stops in between - well, you wouldn't need me now would you. Truth be told, few people manage to travel from A to B without going via c-z first. And you know what, that is not a bad thing.

Say what?

No I am being serious. When we set off on life's great journey, we may have grand plans. We may think we know what we want and how we are going to get there. Then life gets in the way. Or as I am want to put it - we get distracted by whatever nice shiny thing we see off to the left.

It could be said, the reason for that is our goals are not well defined. That may be the case, but I have a different perspective for you today.

My son, Eden, graduated from High School yesterday. Yes - my baby has completed his year 12 (A level equivalent UK) and is off to college next year to study graphics, in particular "residential drafting" - last night, my partner Mike, my daughter Rhiannon (who graduated 2 years ago) and my son's girlfriend, sat in the huge auditorium to hear from the teachers who ensured their charges made it through their schooling. I may not have been entirely happy with their methods but the result is almost the same.

I don't remember the commencement speaker from my daughters ceremony, but I am glad I was there to listen to my son's. Dr Glen Whisson - a graduate of the same school and now a lecturer at Curtin University shared a few life lessons. His life lessons. The graduating class of 2011 may not remember the speech, but it was valuable to those who cared to listen, and thankfully I was one of them.

Glen said

And so it is with this year's graduating class of 2011. There will be some successes, and some "failures", some who will make false starts and some who have absolutely no idea what they want to be "when they grow up". That's OK, I didn't either, not really, and not until I was nearly in my 40's. But I was constantly pushing myself to be more, do more, see more and eventually I found my way.

So don't worry if you too feel like you are the "square triangle in the round dodecahedron" it happens, the trick is knowing that.

Glen was very good, he shared his experience through personal story, through example and I do wish the leaders of today could do the same. As Jerome Bruner says we are "22 times more likely to remember a story than a set of facts" and as a lifelong educator and trainer I am still amazed  by how many so called leaders are still trying to persuade people through fact and logic. It's interesting, one of the people I work closely with has always used a linear approach to her presentations and key note speeches until I persuaded her to use a story telling narrative instead (http://www.rogeredwardjones.com). The difference was palpable (as Glen found) as she took to the stage to tell the current intake of small business owners her story of success after participating in the same growth program they were now on.

So:

With many thoughts and lots of stories through examples ...

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's a fluke STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Planning & Organization DATE: 10/24/2011 12:17:51 PM ----- BODY:

No seriously, the tail of a whale is called a fluke. I can see why, it is almost impossible to get a decent photograph with a point and shoot camera, in 1.5 metre swell on a 2 hour whale watching charter. Even the guys with the long lenses and trigger happy fingers weren't faring much better it seems.

I've been planning part of today for ages. The annual humpback whale migration is happening off the western coast of australia and the mammals stop off for a rest (if you can call 15 minutes of snoozes at a time a rest) before they head back down to antarctica and their feeding grounds. There is a short window of opportunity to see them and the charters are usually booked out well in advance. They tend to stay closer to shore because they are taking the new calfs down with them, consequently they are close enough for the charter boats to take people out, and today I was one of them :-)


I was only going to take a couple of hours off and away from my desk, but then something else happened. CHOGM - the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is happening this week in Perth and as a result, all sorts of events and happenings are being timed to coincide. One of which was the arrival of the HMB Endeavour a couple of weeks ago - she is the replica of the James Cook ship which is normally berthed over on the eastern seaboard, but was crafted in Fremantle and is currently on a round Australia tour. So, I called my friend Barbara. What are you doing on Monday afternoon - errr, good meet me in Fremantle about 2 ...

While I was sitting waiting for her to arrive, I watched with amazement at the number of people who came to take a quick photo and then left... you have one opportunity to go round something like the Endeavour yet you don't pay the few dollars and spend an hour doing so?! Why not? People !!

Barbara was part of a team of wood carvers tasked with creating the artwork including the 2 ladies on the sterrn. Talented lady. But her comment was interesting - if you hadn't rang, I know I wouldn't have bothered to come down.

Aaaaggghhhh

We can all be guilty of "not finding the time" to do things. We say we are "busy" - busy doing what exactly? Yes I know I am going to have to play catch up for the rest of the week as a result of taking the entire day off, but you know what - it was worth every cent and every second. it certainly made a nice change of scenery from my office desk let me tell you.

I will leave you with one final thought - if you don't plan for it, it ain't never going to happen. But as I found out, it's also important to be flexible in your plans because you never know what amazing things can happen as a result.




----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Friday the 13th STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/13/2012 11:09:20 AM ----- BODY:

There are some people in this world who absolutely hate Friday the 13th, they think that the world will end, every bad thing that can possibly happen WILL happen today - because it is FRIDAY THE 13th YOU KNOW

I love, Friday the 13th's ... some of my best days happen on this day. My 21st birthday happened to fall on Friday the 13th ... and I could be forgiven for thinking the world had ended 3 days prior when on the 10th September my brother - who was my younger brother by a whole 15 months - committed suicide ... we partied anyway, we shed a tear, we had lots of group hugs and we wished we could have helped him through what had been (for him) a difficult time. And yes we buried him a couple of days later.

Life as they say - goes on.

And I am very glad it does, because I get to talk to you ...

Remember this - Whatever happened today - will change tomorrow - either for good or bad - the choice in most cases is up to you.

And if it's not up to you - it's how you handle it, that's what matters more.

I spoke the other day about our attitude towards what life throws at us - we can sit in a corner and cower, or we can rise to whatever the occassion demands and we deal with it. Today I ask, in honor of who you really are - that you decide to DEAL WITH IT.

Go on, get out there and have fun - my brother and I would be very grateful if you did

With love and light

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I can't delegate this task STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/15/2011 07:35:47 AM ----- BODY:

Believe it or not I can't delegate this task.

And neither can you.

Nope, this one is down to us.

What is for goodness sake, stop talking in riddles.

Exercise and eating well. OK, make that 2 things we can't delegate (and these are just 2 things we can't delegate there are more as we will find out). While there are certain parts you can get help on, ultimately it is down to us. We can for instance delegate the task of shopping to someone else, or organise the groceries through an online service provider. We can even delegate the task of putting the stuff away and having it cooked for us - what we can't delegate is the eating part. Not if we want to live.

And it's the same with exercise. Someone else can organise our gym memberships and pack our bags for us, but we still have to go to the gym and exercise more than our jaws if we want to get fit and stay fit. Exercise is something we cannot do once, nor is it something we can overdo and save the excess for a rainy day.

I also strongly believe that we need to take ownership of every goal we have on our list if we want to achieve them. Makes sense when you think about - more of that in the next section though.

One question - why do we insist on giving our powers away. We have the power to decide what we want to do, what we can and do achieve, yet we live our lives in the main reacting to events. Our plans go out the window when "life" gets in the way.

So - today and from this day on I would like you to take back control of your own life and decide what it is you actually want - only you can decide.

Do you want to get the job of your dreams?
Do you need to get the qualifications first?
Do you need to go to class and do the assignments?
Do you need to get out of bed and get to school?

Or are you still debating whether to let someone else give it all to you without having to make any kind of effort?

---------------------------

100 Day Challenge: Action step for today
---------------------------

The simple act of writing down your goals can increase the rate of accomplishment by over 50%

Some say the figure is higher than that. But why should this be the case? Well it's not that you write it down once that matters - it's what else you write down that is the key.

Today I would like you to take one of your goals - write it down
Next: Write down 1 thing you can do today to bring that goal closer to you - that's it - just one thing - then complete that 1 thing.

So - a for instance...

You want a new car - what kind? what colour? what make? what model? how much are they going for? Where are the dealers? How much have you saved or do you need to speak to the bank / loan company?

You can even call this part RESEARCH - because that's what you are doing. You are researching your next vehicle purchase.

So far all you've done is write - now comes the fun part - go and find one. How can you know what your new car is going to be like if you have never sat in one, never smelt that "new car smell", never felt it move with you... action without emotion is dull. Action with emotion, now that's when the fun starts and the goals become realities.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day challenge Days 80 - 71 - Beware the slump STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/11/2011 10:05:31 AM ----- BODY:

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 80 - 71

Beware the slump:

*******************************
"when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done."
Dr Seuss - Oh the places you'll go

As soon as this particular challenge started I became ill. The doctor thought I had a chest infection, turns out it was the flu. 2 weeks on I am just beginning to un-slump myself. Now today if you are still playing along should be your "day off" - remember every 10 days is a day off for you. No diet, no exercise, no challenge - no, not one smidgeon of a challenge. Well given I have had more than one day of not being able to challenge myself beyond - lets get out of bed and maybe watch some television - I've decided to jump right back into my challenge and "un-slump myself".

And personally I think that is one of the keys to success - you only fall off a bandwagon and FAIL - if you STAY where you FALL.

"Nope, not getting up again I've fallen off this diet / training program / book writing thing / cold calling clients soooo many times - slumps in corner with arms folded across the chest pouting."


Give over and get up, silly.

Slumps can be another term for "road blocks". Now, road blocks on a journey have a nasty habit of diverting us from the path we wanted to be on, to one that someone else wants us to go down. Ever had a well-meaning family member or friend? That's what I mean. By the way - they don't want us to change because it means they're not going to like it. Truth.

And yes, that's what can happen to us - if we're not careful. We're used to doing things in a certain way (habits) and if we're not keeping a wary eye out, our newly found plans can be nudged off course - and the worst part about it, we don't usually recognise that we've done it, or had it done to us.

My lunch time walk was a habit, a glorious, beautiful habit - which unfortunately had to stop when I had the flu. Not a chance. But because my lunch time walking, as my thrice weekly gym sessions and once weekly personal training sessions are part of my normal pattern of behaviour it was easy for me to say - you know what - today is the day I am going to re-start. So I coughed all the way round today, so what - it's good to breathe in fresh air, stimulate the mind and of course the body. And tomorrow the HMAS Bark Endeavour gets back to Fremantle Port, so guess where my walk will take me tomorrow :-) and yes I'll take the camera with me.

But I'm lucky, exercise and a lot of it has been part of my life for a very long time - so it was easy for me to get straight back into the habit of walking during my lunch break. The flu-ey road block didn't stop me, no, I just scooted off down a side road, took a couple of days off (about 10 actually) from my lifelong journey, then found an entry point back on the road a little further down life's highway. I know I say overlife goal of health and fitness, but there are individual challenges along the way which is why it was easy for me to jump straight back in - because I know what my destination is and where it will be. Next August - City Beach. A client will be in Perth, Western Australia - on an extended stay from the UK - and he's going to join me - who knows we may even decide to get sponsors and raise some money for charity - but that will be an added incentive to train for speed next year... And I don't want to let him beat me.

But what happens with a challenge, and of course trying to set a new habit is this - we don't know that someone has accidentally on purpose pushed us off our desired path. Here, have some more cake. No, don't go to the gym - come shopping with me instead. What do you want to spend all day inside writing / on the telephone for - it's summer - come down to the beach and spend time with your friends - they'll think you're being funny / snobby / standoffish if you don't come...

It's usually only later we remember we were supposed to ...

But sometimes the roadblock is of our own making - I can't be bothered today I'm not in the mood / I don't feel like doing x,y, z I'll do it tomorrow, one day won't matter... Elle won't know.

No I won't - but you will. Look me in the eye and tell me you don't care about your own goals. Go on - dare ya.

Action Steps:

Review the last 10 days:

nd if you have been nudged off course - what can you do today to get back onto your path?


Compare your final 100 day goal to your current rate of accomplishments - are they aligned?

As I said my ultimate goal is next August, my main 100 Day Challenge goal is still attainable - I am using a 6 week program to achieve that particular goal, so I have a lot of pre-preparation time in hand to get some semblance of fitness back before I push the speed button on the treadmill beyond walking pace. And then over the Christmas and New Year break I will download the next phase and begin that program, but I can only do that part BECAUSE of the work I am putting in now.

So, lets put the peddle to the metal and hit the road again Jack ...



----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Play it again Sam STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Life balance CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Leadership CATEGORY: Gratitude DATE: 10/08/2011 06:38:08 AM ----- BODY:

There were floral and other tributes last night outside the Apple store in Perth. My partner and I couldn't get close enough to take a picture because of the crowds of people who had gathered to pay their respects in the best way they knew how.

I would like to pay my respects in 2 ways today, to one of the men who made such a massive difference to so many lives across the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and close friends and workers who had lived with the knowledge that all was not as well as they hoped with the man they called husband, lover, father, friend and boss.

A good friend had this to say about the man behind the company - http://www.rogeredwardjones.com/storytelling-innovation/2011/9/6/leadership-foresight-stories-of-the-future.html

And this of course is the post that I sent out not so long ago to remind everyone reading that we do need to "stay hungry, stay foolish"
http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2011/8/31/stay-hungry-stay-foolish.html

A timely reminder that no matter how much money we have, the end is the greatest leveler there is. How will you make your mark on the world so that at the time of your passing the entire world mourns your loss?

With love and light

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 3 words, 5 minutes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Writers block DATE: 10/03/2011 11:31:44 AM ----- BODY:

My brain is like cotton wool at the moment, which is OK until you HAVE to work. As a writer I have to write if I want to earn money, so having a cotton wool stuffed brain is not a good thing.

Some people may call this kind of fuzzy headed thinking "writers block" I just call it frustrating.

So I went back to a beginners writing trick I was taught.

It's called: 3 words, 5 minutes

and it's a great exercise tool if you need to jump start your writing brain.

   Find a dictionary - yes a hard copy dictionary, online ones don't work for this exercise.
   Open the dictionary at any page and write down the first word you see
   Close it and repeat that twice more

You now have 3 words or 3 sets of words - now don't "choose" the word from the page, but the first word you see on the page whatever it happens to be.

You now have 5 minutes to write. The first word of the piece needs to be one of the 3 chosen words or a variation of it (plurals etc) with the second word in the first sentence and the last word coming within the first paragraph. Sounds hard, but it really isn't. With just 5 minutes for the exercise you have to write fast, and believe it or not your writing will be tight with little or no editing to be done afterwards.

With long hand you can write about half a page. Please avoid the keyboard while you are kick starting your writing brain - believe me it is important.

So what did I get?

My 3 words were:

Cast Iron | Lawn | Roller Skate

Rollerskating on lawn was impossible decided Ann Marie. She desperately wanted to go to the rink with her friends but she'd given her mum a cast iron pledge that she would stay on the yard or risk being grounded for the entire summer. She wasn't happy, the path was too small and littered with her little brothers toys, so she'd tried the grass and that just didn't work AT ALL.

It didn't help she was small for her age and couldn't even reach the latch on the gate to get down the driveway.

She sat of the wicker chair under the patio, the big, heavy and old fashioned skates she'd found at the back of the shed dangled off her feet. Idly pushing them backwards and forwards, the bearings grating against the metal shoe. Tears slowly welled up in her eyes "I hate being poor" she sobbed ...

------------------------------

Did it help me? absolutely.

How can a piece of fiction help my professional world? Well it helped write this for starters :-) it also gave me chance to look at the client piece I needed to write. I took the topic, worked out the keywords that could fit, chose in this case 4 relevant words as there were four points I needed to cover, wrote it, and it's now with the client for feedback.

And the trick works for longer pieces including books, that process does take a little longer - we don't choose random words from dictionaries for instance - but once you get the hang of the technique it can make a massive difference to your completed body of work.

Try it, you might find it's a tool you can use.

With love and light

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do you need better focus? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Success and Failure CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 09/14/2011 11:38:47 AM ----- BODY:

* Today's daily dose: Do you need better focus?
* 100 day challenge: Birthday Celebrations: Or 47 reasons to join the 100 day challenge:
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 14th September 2011
---------------------------
Thank you to all those people who took the time to wish me a happy birthday for yesterday, your kind thoughts are very much appreciated. And yes I had a wonderful day. I don't know about you, but  I always use my birthday as my personal "New Year" to help me focus on the next 12 months, yes this is the time I set my new year's revolutions rather than January 1st. So - What is my new year's resolution?

Better focus, or what I am not going to do.

And in keeping with the spirit that is the new year's resolutions I shall be writing down and sharing with my partner my top 20 items I have chosen to NOT do during the next 12 months. In sharing the list it will help keep me focused on what I am GOING to do.

Hint: I always write in the positive when I am setting my 12 month goal. In this case - better focus... most people use the negative - I need to lose weight, I need to give up smoking, I need to, I need you to consider writing your goals in the positive - I want to use the money I would have spent on cigarettes to pay for a holiday for myself and the family this year. I want healthy lungs. I want to take up running and not wheeze every time I go out jogging. Given we are moving into the next 100 day challenge - that is my first challenge for you all - by December 31st 2011 what do you want to have accomplished?

In 100 days I want to have completed:

-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to having better focus. How about you?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
100 Day Challenge: Birthday Celebrations: Or 47 reasons to join the 100 day challenge:
---------------------------

Thank you to those who have given me their good reason to join the 100 day challenge starting on the 22nd September 2011. Don't forget you do still have time to give me your reason - hint - the 100 day challenge is about taking action TODAY... so while you could leave it til the 20th to get your response in ...

To my current challengers, I hope you are enjoying coming to the end of your first challenge. You should have about $100 in your jar by now - have you picked your bucket list item? I would love to know what you have chosen to do. What else have you managed to achieve in the 100 days?

And a question, now you know how you can use the challenge, are you ready to go again? 22nd September 2011 - but this time I will be doing it with you and following your progress and providing you with a way to structure and think about the last 100 days of the year. Excited? Hope so.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle DATE: 09/16/2011 06:07:01 AM I am not going to:

1. Work after 8.30pm weeknights
2. Work on a saturday afternoon
3. Work on a sunday afternoon
4. Going to make excuses about exercise. It's 3 x gym / week. If I oversleep one day I make it up the next
5. Shop during lunchbreaks. Lunches are for walking
6. Get involved in the gossip
7. Get riled with the kids. I am not owning their unhygienic states any longer
8. Clean up after the kids
9. Keep my social media / email open all day - but have set times to deal with stuff
10. Dwell on what might have been. Present and future only.
11. Live in my head all the time. I will consider the options, but then I will take action that day
12. Put off menial tasks if they are only going to take a few minutes to resolve. Or schedule the task if it is going to take a bit longer
13. Start my day without a plan
14. End each day without organising the next
15.Waste my time
16.Be afraid to try new things or ask Questions even if I think it makes me look stupid.
17. Allow other people to waste my time
18. Fill every minute of every day with "stuff"
19. Feel guilty about making time for my needs
20. Compromise on family time

My pledge to myself - Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Climbing on and off the bandwagon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/07/2011 08:49:07 AM ----- BODY:

It's not that we fall off the bandwagon that's the problem, the problem is if we stay where we've landed.

Interesting word isn't it "bandwagon" what it means and why we use it for when things aren't going quite to plan. Well I've not fallen off the bandwagon per se, rather I have had to get off it for a couple of weeks.

My partner hates it when I have visitors, I put myself through all sorts of stress to ensure my visitors have a good time and in doing so of course, my normal schedule rather takes a beating. He knows what it's like though he's a POM too, so when I say "hate" he understands all too well what happens. Thanks honey :-)

Anyway on Friday evening I did the last journey of the holiday and took mum back to the International Airport and whence it all began some 6 weeks earlier. I cannot tell you how many miles we covered, the things we have done and the places we went to. But I can tell you, I managed in the process of the 6 weeks to cross a great number of things off my to-do / bucket list. Including a visit to the Northern Territory, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock (no way was I climbing - have you seen how steep it is - besides which there were other reasons why not), The Olgas and Kings Canyon... and that was just 1 week. When I get chance to go through the massive amounts of photographs and video I will post some to the website, and will let you know when it gets there of course... but in the mean time it is time to return to whatever I can describe as "normal" for me.

Friday - it was a long day.

Saturday - it was time to get up, get ready and go to the gym. I've managed a couple of workouts each week during mum's visit, but nowhere near as many as my "normal" schedule covers - so I knew it was going to hurt. I could have delayed the re-start of course, I was exhausted and I am running a low level cold/chill. I don't like exercising when I am sick as the body usually has far too much going on to kill the germs to cope with re-building muscles as well. Then I wondered if the reason why I was running the cold was in fact because my body was complaining about the lack of exercise. So I went. It's Sunday now and my muscles are still not very forgiving in the non-aching department, but you get that. I did treat myself post gym with a walk around Perth's Hyde Park (lots of water and the next generation of wildlife is making an appearance) to do some mental filing (shame about the screaming kids and sirens going off though) followed by brekkie and then a back /shoulder / neck and head massage - ahhhh bliss.

So what am I trying to tell you in my normal rambling fashion is this:

* You do what you need to do.
* You pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start the re-climb back to where you were before you landed
* You try and understand why you fell off and hope that you can learn from whatever "mistake" that caused it and you try to do better next time.
* Understand that every day you can and do redefine the term "normal"

With lots of love and hugs for a brand new start

Elle

 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You may find yourself STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Habits DATE: 08/01/2011 11:19:02 AM ----- BODY:

"I don't like work, no man does, but I like what is in work: the chance to find yourself"
Joseph Conrad

I love this quote, it says a lot about a person.

* You may find that you are lazy
* You may find you are lazy only about a particular task
* You may find that you don't like what it is you are being paid to do, and consequently you try and avoid going, or when you do go you don't do what you know you should
* You may find that you fill your days with busy work so that you can avoid doing the important stuff
* You may find that you work best under pressure, or when you are being supervised, or you may find that you work best when you are being trusted to do a brilliant job.

But it's more than just that -

You may find:

* What you are good at
* What you excel at doing
* Who you enjoy working / being with
* How well you work and how fast you can work when given the right circumstances.

When you know yourself you can and will do amazing things.

With many thoughts
Elle

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: claudine song EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 70.190.113.55 URL: DATE: 08/01/2011 03:33:23 PM Wow! So true! I can spend hours with finely tuned mental precision on tasks that I love to do. But I can spend hours, literally hours, flittering about town on "errands" that appear to be so important! Only in the past few days, I have decided to light the pilot light on under my ambition and now my progress is blazing, the fire of motivation is burning!! I have invented a cosmetic product for dry, rough, snaggy heels, that I have been working on for years (sigh), but now, with YOUR help, and insight I am moving forward!! Thank you so much for your assistance to break through the procrastination!! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's nice to be important STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/27/2011 01:11:41 PM ----- BODY:

"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice"
Scooter ... that's the band BTW

I love song lyrics, they are a constant source of amusement, pleasure and at times inspiration - if you stop and listen to them properly that is ... it also amazes me how some of the "modern" songs are so full of angst, anger and downright rudeness and wonder if that could be one of the reasons why some of today's younger generation are also fueled with angst, anger and colorful language? Given our recent discussion on who are you around and how are they impacting on you, perhaps we should also take a good look at the programs we watch on the television, the books / journals / magazines and papers we read and of course the music we listen to.

I'm not saying we deliberately set out to lower our motivation through association, but that it can happen without us really noticing. Which is something to think about.

With many thoughts
Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Space... the final frontier STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/24/2011 02:31:53 AM ----- BODY:

If you are constantly surrounded by noise you will struggle to get anything done...

Noise is a distraction, sometimes welcome if you are unsure of next steps or don't like whatever it is you are doing. But when you know what you want to do but can't get into the right kind of head space because of the distractions that surround you, then it is time to make space for your dreams to take shape.

But how do you find space?

Walk - Get out of the house and walk, go early if you have to, but get out and find solitude and peace in walking... The same can be said for most kinds of exercise if you do it on your own. Exercise for me frees my mind and I can do the mental filing which helps me to put things into the right perspective. Without exercise I struggle to remain focussed.

But what if exercise per se isn't your thing? Well we do still have public libraries, and it's important we use them given the many threats these are under at the moment. Plug yourself into your headspace that is your music and enjoy quiet time surrounded by the wisdom of the ages...

I'd say the same for coffee shops but most of the ones I know are usually packed, good for them, not so good for anyone who needs to find space... but it's up to you, sometimes that kind of noise can be tuned out if you try hard enough.

My mum is over for a holiday at the moment and her favourite spot is the chair in my office space and she does insist on filling the air with inane chatter that usually goes nowhere which as you know I am just not used to... what can I say, as much as I love my mum dearly I do say thank goodness for netbooks, wi-fi and a bedroom that sits at the opposite end of the house.

And - if all else fails, I use earplugs.

Where do you find space?

With many thoughts
Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 23 hours and 30 minutes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits CATEGORY: Beat procrastination DATE: 07/22/2011 10:10:05 AM ----- BODY:

---------------------------
In This Issue:
---------------------------

* Today's daily dose: 23 hours and 30 minutes
* Motivational Tip: Moving to the beat of your own drum
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:

--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 22nd July 2011
---------------------------

Spending half an hour every day working out or thinking positive thoughts and practising the meditation techniques is a start. But what of the remaining 23 hours and 30 minutes?

With many thoughts
Elle

---------------------------
Motivational Tip: Moving to the beat of your own drum
---------------------------

If you wait for other people you will always walk to their pace not your own. If you want to blaze a trail, make sure you are walking with people who are going in the same direction and at roughly the same pace as you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Is it the best use of your time? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 06/20/2011 12:07:55 PM ----- BODY:

* Today's daily dose: is it the best use of your time?
* 100 Day Challenge Update: hello and welcome, plus a time challenge ...
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:

--------------------------
Today's daily dose:
---------------------------
A couple of weeks ago I had to go into the city to assist a client. The time it took to get there and back as well as the cost of parking for half a day staggered me - and we won't talk about the actual cost of the fuel I used in the process. Now it could be argued that I can (and will) claim the expenses back on my tax - but that's not the point... The point is, I could have caught public transport, saved myself the hassle of roadworks, grumpy drivers, wear and tear on the car, the cost of the fuel and parking - and saved myself a lot of money in the process as I found out when I did use the public transport system, when I had no other choice - other than walk - and to be honest it would have taken far too long to do that - even at the speed I walk :-)

You might say, but it takes you longer to get there on public transport - well that may be so, but I have spent many an unhappy hour or two stuck in traffic jams as I am sure you have. At least on public transport I can use the time to catch up on my reading or write my notes (with these new fangled electronic devices you know) - besides which - buses have priority lanes here *bonus*.

So a couple of questions for you:

   * Do you use a car / motorbike because it's convenient?
   * Have you worked out the cost of doing so vs the cost of using public transport?
   * How far is your average journey? I do travel a lot of miles with my work, and sometimes there would not be a public transport option. But say for instance if I needed to go to the local shops and I am not already out and about - as in, I will call on the way home, I will walk round and get whatever it is I need. Yes - even in the rain.

Be honest about the time it takes too, I was pleasantly surprised - at worst 45 minutes extra each way on the longest journey I have to do, to no difference at all on the shortest - which is something to think about.

   * What else do we do without really thinking about it?
   * What do we fail to do and think it doesn't matter? Tell me the name of the last book you read and when you read it? Anything longer than 3 months ago - and you and I need to talk.
   * Is whatever you are doing the best use of your time, effort and money or are there more elegant ways of doing things?

With many thoughts
Elle

P.S.: If you've enjoyed this newsletter and have found it to be valuable, would do me the favour and forward it to your friends, family and associates, it would be very much appreciated. And if they would like to subscribe, they just need to visit http://www.motivateme.info for easy and convenient sign-up.

---------------------------
100 Day Challenge update:
---------------------------
I would just like to say hello and very big welcome to all the new 100 day challengers, it is wonderful to have you on board.

Remember, the key to the challenge is to decide where you would like to be, come the middle of September, then work on each day as it arrives. No more putting off until tomorrow because today is all we have.
24 hours.
Subtract the time you spend sleeping, getting ready to go to school / work, travelling time, time at school and work, travel time home, dinner prep and eating time = not a lot of time left.

Don't believe me - a simple test of the theory. Get a blank piece of A4 paper and some pencils / crayons if you have them. Mark the paper into 4 columns and 6 lines. Each square becoming 1 hour of your day. As you go through the next couple of days, colour in the hours you spend (and write over it what you were doing if necessary)... what is left is all the time you have left over to spend on your goals and challenges. Yet these few precious moments are usually squandered in front of computer games, facebook and TV. It's up to you of course whether you keep on doing what you have always done, but if you want to get more out of the next 100 days you will need to make a few changes.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------

http://www.twitter.com/MotivateMe_info
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

---------------------------



----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How do you spend your Friday nights? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/04/2012 12:17:56 PM ----- BODY:

How do you spend your Friday nights?

Come to think of it, how do you spend most nights of the week?

Before you say "come on elle, give me a break, it's been a long week - I need a break"

I will simply say this: how you spend your evenings is how your life will be defined.

Do you spend most nights sitting down watching the TV because you need a "break"? Or down the pub because ... insert random comment ...
Or do you spend time working on spending quality time with your family or working on your better future?

I love working out on a Friday night. It gives me an energy boost at the end of my long week. Not that I get to do that very often at the moment because I seem to be spending most of my "free" time giving driving lessons to my kids. Tonight was raining and ink black with numerous "idiots" playing dodgems as they raced home because their cars were going to disintegrate in the rain or something, so it was excellent practice. And because both my learner drivers were home on a Friday night we connected over dinner half way round.

We're home, safe, sound, showered and ready to do some work. Well I am, the kids are in their rooms, stuffed to the gills watching TV :-D

As Steve Jobs said (and I paraphrase) "if you treat each day as if it were the last day of your life, would you be happy doing what you are doing right now?"

I'll speak to you again soon, it's time to get my next crop of reading material out.

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Go to bed smarter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/14/2012 01:43:27 PM ----- BODY:

Did you know that Warren Buffet uses the philosophy of going to bed smarter than he was when he woke up that same morning.

I've attempted to do that since I learned to read, though I didn't realise that was what I was doing until I read an article on Warren and his business partner - another octogenarian by the name of Charlie.

I know I promised you 100 things that I had read and hoped would inspire you in the last 100 day challenge. Truth is I managed about 40 decent items in that time frame (given I was away for nearly 3 weeks) - and I still need to finish posting the items to the list. But the point I am trying to make here, I read masses of stuff every single day, and if I can pick out a sentence (quote) or an idea that I hadn't thought of before reading the item, I consider the reading to have been worthwhile.

I also use training programs and courses in the same way. Of course I would like to get more than a single idea or ah-ha moment you understand, but it depends on the course / book and my prior knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. As it would be for you of course.

So a couple of challenges for you:

* I would like to challenge you to go to bed smarter every day than when you woke up that morning.
* Keep a journal of your good ideas. If you are in the habit of writing down "your day" and you may be wondering why your days aren't getting any better. Consider this an alternative way of looking at your life. What lessons did you learn? What can you share with your world, your family, your work colleagues - as a result of your reading / attending a course?
* Take action on the idea as soon as you possibly can. If you listen to audio books in your car, or when you are out running - it can be very hard to take action on an idea at that precise moment in time - but you can as soon as you get home / back to the office.
* Take a walk every day - I like to walk during lunch breaks - that allows my mind to sift through the information I have and it allows me to do what I call the "mental filing." Walking also gives me the space I need to get my break through ideas - most of which I share with you. So - walk - every day and see how many more great ideas you can come up with to move your business forward.

To your success

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be the inventor of your new life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/19/2012 06:56:45 AM ----- BODY:

What can you achieve in a single day?

You'd be astounded by what one person can do when they have a goal, and more importantly know WHY that goal is important to them. It is their PURPOSE that drives them to reach their goals.

Without PURPOSE and without knowing WHY, your goals are not going to have that same kind of attraction to you. You will find every reason not to do something. "I've got plenty of time" you say to yourself, I'll do that another day. But if you align your goals with your PURPOSE and knowing WHY you want to do something, then you can't help but succeed. As Bruce Barton stated way back in 1920

“The fool looks over the wealth of material provided, and selects a few plates of ham and eggs, a few pairs of trousers, a few dollar bills – and is satisfied.
“The wise man builds his world out of wonderful sunsets, and thrilling experiences, and the song of the stars, and romance and miracles.
“Nothing wonderful ever happens in the life of a fool – an electric light is simply an electric light; a telephone is only a telephone – nothing unusual at all.
“But the wise man never ceases to wonder how a tiny speck of seed, apparently dead and buried, can produce a beautiful yellow flower. He never lifts a telephone receiver or switches on an electric light without a certain feeling of awe.”

Everything from shoelaces to fortunes, turbine engines to best sellers - these would not have been created if the inventor's goals had not been aligned with their purpose and knowing WHY these things needed to be created in the first place.

That being said, how can you create the life you want?

Well it's time to break out the lab coats, because it is time for you to invent the life you need, and you will do that by aligning your goals with your purpose and more importantly WHY you need to live a life like that. If you can't look at your current goal list and give me a darn good reason WHY you should go for "it" then it's not a goal, it's an anchor holding you in dream land.

Questions to ponder

1. What is your life purpose?
2. What do you want to achieve during your life? What is your biggest, most daring, most audacious goal?
3. Why do you want to achieve that? How will achieving that goal - make your life better / the people around you better / the world you interact with better?
4. What interim goals can help you achieve your biggest goal?

While you could have:

Pay off the mortgage

It may be a worthy goal, but it's hardly exciting is it. I mean, how you going to do that?

I'm gonna work from 9 - 5 every single day, earning me a wage so I can pay back that darn money

*yawn*

But if you put it like - well if I pay off the mortgage, then I will have x number of dollars free per month we can spend travelling the world.

That's a bit more exciting isn't it. But lets take it one step further - if your ultimate goal is to travel the world, why not sell the darn house, get rid of the mortgage and buy a camper van ...

When you get serious about goal setting, knowing your real reasons why - you will find far more elegant solutions to your "problems"

Is it time to re-invent your life?

I hope so

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Will run for food STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Movies CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 05/28/2012 11:50:06 AM ----- BODY:

A feel good story today for you.

A stray dog has completed a 1700km journey across China after joining a cycle race from Sichuan province to Tibet.

The dog, nicknamed "Xiaosa", joined the cyclists after one of them gave him food.

Running with them for a staggering 20 days, covering up to 60km a day, and climbing 12 mountains, this is an amazing feat. When I first read the story, I expected to see a large dog ... but no, a little ball of fluff thoroughly enjoying himself.

Cyclist Xiao Yong started a blog about Xiaosa's adventures, which had attracted around 40,000 fans by the end of the race.

You can see him here ...

Love stories like these

Hope you have a fun and blessed day

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Get more done each day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Avoid procrastination CATEGORY: Avoiding procrastination CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: Conquer procrastination CATEGORY: Conquering procrastination CATEGORY: Dealing with procrastination CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 05/30/2012 11:59:31 AM ----- BODY:

One of THE easiest and simplest ways to get more done each day is:

TURN OFF FACEBOOK (insert other social media sites / television / cable here as well).

There is also another big killer for productivity and that is your e-mail inbox. I don't suppose you remember having to wait for physical letters to be delivered. But I can almost guarantee you wouldn't jump up off your chair every time you heard something or someone rattle your front door. So why on earth do we knee jerk react every time something should pop up on your screen? Did you know, that for every interruption we receive, it takes another 8 minutes to get back to the same level of thought we were in BEFORE we were interrupted. 8 minutes!! we can do amazing things in 8 minutes. So - Is it any wonder we don't get anything done. Sorry, I digress - well not really.

Put it like this, go through your e-mail inbox - how many of those emails are for information you are waiting for? As opposed to other people and / or organizations wanting you to spend your time on their goals? or to make enough money to pay their demands. Granted you have probably used the utilities - and will need to pay them. But every time you are reacting to someone else's demands on your time and resources you are not creating your future life - are you.

So - don't get to your desk in a morning and immediately turn on the Internet, e-mail and social sites. Take a good look at your to do list, and tackle the first item on it. If you need to send an e-mail to someone, and it's important and urgent - put that to one side and wait until you have completed at least part of the task. Only when you have satisfied yourself that you absolutely cannot move forwards any further until that e-mail has been sent - then by all means log on and write the e-mail and send it. BUT - do not read any of the other demands for your time at this juncture. One other thing I would recommend you do is - have items set up to filter out of your inbox into folders, so you don't see them until such time as you are ready to waste time on them. As you scan the items, ONLY look at the ones where you asked for something relating to your current projects. Read and action those, then close out of it.

Take a deep breath and begin item number 2 on your to do list...

Working in this way can dramatically increase your productivity, and not only do we produce more, we are far more creative as well.

Save your surfing / social media and informational emails for when you have legitimately done a good day's work.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Personal bests STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Success and Failure DATE: 06/16/2012 06:06:59 AM ----- BODY:

When it comes to exercise, if we want to improve (get fitter, lose body fat, improve muscle strength / tone) then we need to improve our personal bests. But do you know what that is? If you don't track your progress, how will you know where you are and what you need to work on?

Take education as a good example of what we mean. Say for example you are in Year 10 of High School, but instead of doing Year 10 work the teacher gave you Year 8 stuff. Not only have you done the work before, you will be bored rigid and of course you won't learn anything new. And so it is with exercise. If you don't change your training, if you don't push yourself to constantly improve, you will maintain what you have at best, or worse go backwards.

Now - Translate that across everything you do.

Education: How many books have you read in the past 90 days? What kind are you reading do you do? Do you always go for the same kind of material or are you always searching for something better / more interesting / challenging?
Work: How many calls did you make today? How many people did you connect with today? How many people have you helped today?
Friends: Do your friends encourage you, train with you or tell you about why they are too tired to do anything, and neither should you - after all "we're friends - right"
Family: Do you encourage your family members or tell them they can't do things? What is said to you?
Personal: Did you eat well? Did you take care of your appearance today? How much water did you drink? Did you congratulate yourself on anything you did well? Or are you the kind of person who can only find the negative? Just for today try for something positive. Go to the bathroom (where there is usually a very big mirror) and look yourself square in the eye, and promise yourself that from today and here on in, you will always strive to beat your personal best.

Now you may be happy with where you are, but I will challenge you and say that there is always room for improvement.... in some way.

How can you improve your personal best?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The character of a great leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching CATEGORY: Motivating Kids CATEGORY: Leadership DATE: 06/20/2012 12:26:39 PM ----- BODY:

Much is spoken about the character of a great leader, and so will we, but we'll get to that in just a moment.

What I would like to talk to you about are those average leaders, you know the kind of person I'm talking about here, those people who couldn't organise a drinking session even if they owned the brewery.

Is it the fault of the "leader" or is it a case of being the wrong person in the wrong place? Possibly:

    "Bill George says that the root cause of the recent dramatic failures is not the stock market, dissident shareholders, Sarbanes-Oxley or the media. He says they are caused by boards of directors who have chosen the wrong leaders to run their companies."

And it comes down to the selection criteria they used to choose the leaders.

George goes on to say:

    "Selection committees often emphasize charisma over character, style over substance, and image over integrity. When leaders are chosen for charisma, style, and image, why are we surprised when they turn out to lack character, substance, and integrity?" Bill George: Keynote Topic: Of character, substance and integrity: Why companies need authentic leaders and not charismatic stars at the helm. The Focus Vol., XII/1

Of course it isn't just business - big or otherwise that have the same issue with people who lack character, substance and integrity:

There are:

    Politicians who give themselves huge bonuses and pay rises while at the same time telling the average worker to cancel subscriptions and turn off heaters if they can't pay their bills.
    Law enforcement agencies, people to whom we are "supposed" to look up to, not only flouting the law, but breaking it, then whining when they get found out.
    Sports people who children adore, and normal people look up to, who can't string a coherent sentence together and then cry foul when they're caught doing things they shouldn't (pun intended)
    Scandals within the church that continue to rock the world. and
    Bosses who turn up late, leave early, take extended lunches and then wonder why their businesses aren't doing very well.

What message does that say to those people who are watching?

I think it says, I'm going to take what I can, I deserve it, I "earned" it and I don't care if you don't have - I do and that's what's important to me.

So what makes a great leader?

In addition to having character AND substance I would like to focus on:

1) Integrity

Great leaders have integrity. If they say they are going to do something, then they do it. It would be totally alien to them to go back on their word. Lee Iacocca became a legendary leader when he said that he would bring Chrysler back from the brink of bankruptcy and would take only one dollar a year in pay. Did he take the dollar - absolutely. Did he bring Chrysler back from the brink of bankruptcy? Yes and he created a loyal workforce in the process. And he's not the only one. Successful organisations today are made up of people who want to know if they put in long hours, will it make a difference - and not just to the pockets at the people at the top.

The second major character trait of a great leader is that they have:

2) Vision

Great leaders have vision, and they communicate that vision so that everyone can "see" the future. The "workers" don't have to guess where the company is headed, nor do they wonder where their role is in the company in the future. They know the part they will play because they can see the future thanks to the ability of their leader to communicate it to them.

For those of you reading this, who may feel they don't fit the category of a "leader" I will counter and say, everyone is a leader - somewhere. Why? Because everyone looks up to someone else for guidance - and everyone I feel needs to have both integrity and vision, after all we never know who we are motivating by our actions.

* Parents who have children looking up to them
* Teachers who have students looking to guide them to their better future
* Students who have younger siblings and juniors looking to them
* Coaches who have entire teams of people to guide

How about you? What kind of example are you setting?

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Life is not a dress rehearsal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/25/2012 11:51:21 AM ----- BODY:

What dreams have you denied yourself for so long?

What did you want to be “when you grew up”?

I have a confession I want to make, during my junior school years all I wanted to be was an actress. As I grew older that changed to wanting to be a sports teacher. I also wanted to be a writer. Of my 3 dreams:

Well I went through the phase of playing every sport I was allowed to play. The only time I have ever ‘acted’ was during a school play. The dream of being a full time writer has yet to be realised, but this is the closest I have to achieving that particular goal. I do write, every day, but it is not yet something I can say I have achieved completely, but I am close.

As I have gotten older, I have added another dream to my main list – I want to travel. My initial thought is perhaps I can combine 2 of my passions. Writing, and my love of seeing new places and doing new things. Having spent 3 weeks traveling through California and Nevada earlier this year I can attest to the benefit of getting away from it and to give myself a chance to completely re-boot my senses. And I know I produced some of my best work both during and immediately after that road trip.

I would recommend that you spend time today remembering your dreams. Yes I am giving you *permission* to stop what you are doing and dream...

Are these still important to you? Have you added additional dreams to your list as I did? How can you incorporate or work towards attaining those goals?

Before you say, it can never happen. Let me tell you about my mother. She is now 72 years old. She lost her husband (my father) when she was 68. My dad had been seriously ill for 5 years prior to his death and her life was severely restricted. My mother also has restricted eye sight - OK, she is classified as legally blind, but...

But that no longer stops her, she loves to travel and enjoys musicals. After my father died, and after wondering where her life was now headed, my mum suddenly realised she could travel and she has seen virtually every show that has been shown over the last 4 years in the United Kingdom. My mother is an inspiration.

What dreams have you denied for so long? And how can you begin to work on them so you can begin to live them?

*goes off to check flights to the US*

With love and light

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: SSilver EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 71.179.223.126 URL: DATE: 06/25/2012 02:29:14 PM Speaking of re-boot my senses, sometimes the sounds you hear, the colors you see, the taste or texture of something in your mouth, the things you smell, the things that touch your skin, the room you are in or a particular place out doors, will trigger a memory, emotion or a creative spark and even sometimes a creative flood.

These are things one might explore.

Travel to a far away place is but one way to break away from what appears to be mundane, but it might also allow us an opportunity to realize how much we cherished the mundane without realizing it.

Luv Ya
Sterling Silver ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Waiting for the perfect time STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/09/2012 05:02:34 AM ----- BODY:

I'd forgotten the wildflower festival was on as I parked the car in Kings Park this morning. It was going to be my first Kokoda track training session since hurting my foot a couple of months back, and of course going through the flu and associated infections recently. It was 8am and the track was packed. None of my usual hill climbers were there, these were all new to me, and they all looked fit as heck as I laboured up the steep incline for the first time. Given my lack of recent activity I was planning on doing just 2 returns, my normal is between 5 and 7, but I know it is going to take some time to get back to the same level of fitness as I had before the incident with the dodgy brick paving and my desire to wear 5 inch heels when I go out for dinner. I could have waited to re-start my training, but I miss the sweat and the after glo of a good workout. So stupid cough notwithstanding, I completed the 2 returns, then laboured back up the hill towards the flowers and the camera toting tourists.

I can tell I am unfit, my heart rate took forever to return to normal. Which just goes to show how fast you decline. I was running 3km's twice a week, swimmining twice a week and weight training twice a week just a couple of months back.

But it wasn't until I had driven home, cooked and eaten breakfast and done 2 loads of washing and finally made it outside to tackle the garden that it occurred to me (sometimes I can be a bit slow on the uptake).

As I was pulling weeds out of the garden bed, and the one I had weeded just a few weeks prior, it came to me. Plants have to wait for the perfect time to grow. There has to be the right conditions for the seeds to germinate. There has to be enough water, nutrients and sunshine for them to thrive and grow, so they can produce the next generation. Talk about being heartless - I ripped these poor plants out of their perfect conditions and stuffed them unceremoniously into the bin. Try and reach your potential now I said to them.

Given there was nothing there (or so I thought) after weeding the bed last time, I know that now they have been removed, the ground will be ready for the next set of plants to begin their growth spurt, and something tells me I shall be going back over the ground again in the not too distant future.

* We don't have to wait for the perfect time to begin our growing process. We can begin today with what we have and create an idea that can change our lives.
* We can begin the exercise program that will improve our fitness, and if that is what we want, it will assist us to lose weight and tone and condition our bodies so we look better in (and out of) our clothes.
* We can make the decision to eat less and / or eat better
* We can pick up the phone today and make the call
* We can write our assignments that will give us better grades and better career opportunities
* We can - do absolutely anything - beginning today, regardless of whether the time is right or not.

So - what are you going to do starting today?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: First time for everything STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/27/2012 12:24:46 PM ----- BODY:

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
So said (apparently) Albert Einstein

We can all be forgiven for doing the same things over and over again, that's what gets us through most of our days. We drive the same way to work, we do the same things every day at work, we eat the same foods, watch the same kind of television programs, read the same kinds of books, fall into bed and repeat ad naseum.

Occassionally of course we decide that TODAY we are going to do something different. TODAY is the day we are going to:

Lose weight
Stop smoking
Build our website
Ask that cute girl out on a date
Write the first pages of the novel we've always wanted to write

And then just for today, we do just that. But then the following day rolls around and all of a sudden, life - that normality thing kicks back in again, and projects are shelved. OK, sometimes it takes more than a single day, but it's quite fast how quickly we run back to our zones of comfort.

And you thought you were alone?! Nope, not by a long shot.

One thing I have learned after a lifetime of practice is that you cannot get rid of a bad habit. What you have to do is overlay something new over the top and repeat... just for today. Over time, the new practice becomes the habit and ... Just for today I am going to ...

Go for a walk at lunch time
Not have a cigarette during my breaks
Smile more
Do all my homework
Go to the gym
Eat more fruit and veg

That's all well and good, and believe me, it does work. But there is a faster way, and that is doing something completely different, something you have been putting off until ... well today is that day.

Today I am going to choose something different -  Today I am going to:

Pluck up courage and book those dance lessons
Pick up the phone and give the girl a call
Go and see a movie on my own
Try a different restaurant
Ask for help

A couple of weeks ago I had a night of "firsts"

It was the first time i had worn "pink" outside of the house
It was my first visit to the roof top bar at Carnegies and His Majesty's Theatre
The first time I had seen Yes Prime Minister - live, on stage
And the first time I had walked home at 11pm on a "school night"

It was brilliant.

The planning of course occurred months earlier when I had bought the tickets as part of my partners birthday present. Would I have chosen to do that if I had to wait until the day it was on - nope, I am not a fan of political humour, but I am glad I did organise it, because it opened my eyes in so many different ways.

I no longer wait for anyone to be free, if I want to see a movie or an exhibition - I will just choose a day and do it. I have spent evenings watching sunsets, or eating fish chowder down by the harbour. Interestingly enough, that same night I also fought my fear of heights and got onto the "eye" to see fremantle harbour from a completely different perspective. It was $10 well spent let me tell you. I mentioned re-boot times for senses, and these I feel are the way to tackle bad habits...

When was the last time you did something for the first time? How did that make you feel?

i would recommend spending some time over the next couple of days and work through your habitual behaviours. What are you happy to keep? What are you hoping to change? What can you overlay?

Then choose a simple, single thing that you have always wanted to do, and simply pick a time, and enjoy. Don't feel guilty, just do it - as the saying goes. As you challenge your routines, you will open yourself to a myriad of experiences and I would suggest you make that a regular habit to get into.

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: There are 3 ways of looking at life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/30/2012 07:32:36 AM ----- BODY:

There are 3 ways of looking at life:

* To the past
* In the now
* To the future

Past
------
If you constantly look at life over your shoulder, are you ever going to move forwards?

Yes it is important to reflect - what worked, what didn't work, how it was then as opposed to now. But if you don't learn the lessons and move on, you will be forever repeating the same behaviours. Remember the movie Groundhog Day - if you find yourself thinking - gosh I remember doing this before, you need to stop right now and work out WHY you are repeating the behaviours. If you keep journals these are a great way of finding out very quickly if this is happening to you.

* What behaviours are you willing to keep?
* What should you be removing from your life?
* How can you move forwards towards the future you say you want?

Present
---------
There is much to be said for living life in the NOW. However, if you have no idea of where you want to end up, then your daily activities can be merely responsive rather than active. If you have no idea what you want out of life, I think you may feel terribly frustrated. I know I did. "What did I achieve today?" and in the words of the song "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING" it is not a good place to be, believe me.

Future
--------
There are 2 parts to living your life in the future:

1) If you are waiting for the perfect time to start something - then you will never start. There is no such thing as a perfect time, the kids will always need you, there will always be food to tempt you off your diet. You can't wait for the perfect job so you can begin to live your life, save for your home / holiday yada yada yada. In reality you are treading water, waiting it seems for someone to give you either a push or permission to start ... you don't need either. However,

2) If you can combine your present activities with what you want your future to look like, then you are living (IMO) the perfect life.

How are you living your life?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Challenge your "normal" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/02/2012 11:56:55 AM ----- BODY:

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King Jr.


How many times have you taken that leap of faith and it worked. Everything you did, just worked... come on, there must be at least one instance you can remember.

* You quit your job because you wanted something better / different, and the perfect job came to you. You may have been told by a friend of a friend, that another friend wanted someone to do ... or the job was in the paper. You sent the application and you got it.
* You sent off a manuscript and it was picked up by a publisher - even after someone told you it was no good ... you knew it was good enough, and so did the publisher
* You wandered down a back street and came across the perfect house / a $10 note on the floor / a new park that you didn't know existed ...

How many times did you think about doing something different, and you didn't ...

As you know I am great believer in trying new things. New things to eat, new places to go. Exhibitions to see, movies to watch. Different books to read, new people to meet. Even down to trying new kinds of sport and exercise. And that is my leap of faith - every time I do new things.

How can we expect different results if we keep on doing the same things over and over again?

This week, please take a leap of faith - do something different, do something new, do something ...

Even if that something different is a driving a different way to work, or drinking black tea instead of white. Try it, do it, and once you have done one new thing, try another, and another. Challenge your "normal" it's important if you want different to come into your life.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Challenging your personal bests STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/08/2012 11:52:31 AM ----- BODY:

I would hazard a guess, that when I mention the word 'personal best' to you, the first thing you would think about is exercise ...

yes?

Exercise IS a good one to track, how many laps, how many seconds / minutes / hours did it take us to do ... OK, if we are into the competitive sphere, and with the olympics around the corner, are we good enough to get to the olympics, and if we are good enough, are we good enough to make the finals and / or win the gold?

But what if you made your country's olympic squad and didn't make the final - but you beat your personal best by a golden mile, and still didn't win a place on the finals podium, would you consider yourself a failure? I know I wouldn't...

I am not olympic standard by any stretch of the imagination, not even when I performed at my peak, when I was in the squad that went to state finals, was I anywhere near that category - I didn't win anything better than bronze. Do I consider myself to be a failure? Absolutely not. These days, I wouldn't even make the veterans category, but  you know what I am willing to challenge opinions about what is and what is not acceptable for someone of my age, but that's just me. I have added swimming to my training, I have started to run again, my lower back problems (I have degenerative disc failure) has stopped and all of a sudden I feel better than I have felt for a very long time. Ok, I run injury just like anyone else, I manage to walk down a  brick paved driveway, that was ill - lit and managed to turn my ankle on a sunken brick almost 2 weeks ago, and it hurt like the blazes. It set my training back 2 weeks (I am scheduled to run the City to Surf for the first time in August of this year), which is why I have added swimming to my training mix. To me, it doesn't matter how old you are, you are still going to suffer if you happen to find one of those doozies - the question is, are you going to stop and complain, or are you just going to accept that sometimes - it just is ...

But let us move away from exercise just for a minute...

Take education as a good example of what we mean. Say for example you are in Year 10 of High School, but instead of doing Year 10 work the teacher gave you Year 8 work. Not only have you done the work before you will be bored rigid., and so it is with exercise. If you don't change your training, if you don't push yourself to constantly improve, you will maintain what you have at best, or worse go backwards. Now you may be happy with where you are, but I will challenge you and say that there is always room for improvement.... in some way. But it doesn't just equate to exercise ...

What about work? Are you constantly doing the same things in the same way? Are you maintaining the same number of sales? Are you making the same number of calls? Are you servicing the same number of people?

How about your relationships? Are you going to the same places, eating the same meals, drinking the same drinks with the same people? Are you still talking about the same things?

My partner and I drove to Guildford today, that's Western Australia BTW - and we saw the same things in the same shops being offered for sale. Add to that, you couldn't cross the road because Main Roads obviously don't think pedestrian crossings are important enough to lure people from the car park to the shopping side of the street ... disappointing? We didn't even stay for coffee... and we would have had there been a reason to stay ...

When you look at your "personal best" and I don't care what aspect you look at, I will challenge you and say - there has got to be something better you can do ...

Let me know how you have improved what you do  :-D

With many thoughts

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: what is your belief system telling you? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/11/2012 02:30:38 PM ----- BODY:

It's your workout - work harder
Aqua-aerobics instructor, Riverton Leisureplex


I know I talk a LOT about exercise, health and fitness, but that's because I feel the lessons we can learn from that, translate across everything else we do.

Take tonight for instance. Freezing cold by Perth (Western Australian) standards but it wasn't enough to deter a few of us to take our kit off and put on the bathers and get wet. I have never tried aqua aerobics - but the ones who were in the class were certainly enjoying themselves ... and it was the instructors comment I was lucky enough to hear as I was swimming my laps that made me think ...

What we get out of life is directly proportional to what we are willing to put into it. There weren't as many people in the pool tonight as last Wednesday. Given that tonight completes only my second full week of swim training, I can't brag ... but it did prompt another thought ...

As all Christians believe - what we sow, so shall we reap ...

In the Buddhist faith - that same sentiment is reflected in the term Karma

In the Wiccan belief - "what ye sends forth comes back to thee, so ever mind the rule of three" .. ah, not only do you get back what you think, say and do, you get it back 3 times stronger

* Do you think predominantly bad things then wonder why nothing good comes to you?
* Are you unfailing cheerful - and life rewards you with more good things?
* Do you have a run of "bad luck" or do you remember when everything you touched turned to gold?

Personally I believe that we get is directly related to what we think we will receive.

Read that line again - we get what we THINK we will receive.

But it isn't a throw away line that says "I'm going to win the lottery tomorrow" rather the belief that says, we are wasting our money buying a ticket and if we are lucky, we MIGHT get the cost back ...

Belief IS a crucial key.

* When we know we want to do something, we will find a way to make that happen.
* When we don't think it is possible, we will find a million excuses as to why it can't possibly happen ...

My belief system tells me there is ALWAYS room for improvement - hence why I have added swim training to my exercise regime, and not only that, but once a week I've persuaded my daughter to join me in the getting wet and fit at the same time ... this week, she didn't even complain :-D

What is your belief system telling you?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What do you want to do, be or achieve? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/16/2012 12:12:10 PM ----- BODY:

What do you want to do, be or achieve?

The choice as they say is yours - but this time, maybe others will pay for it ...

 http://www.motivateme.info/my-bucket-list/

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 35 things STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits DATE: 07/18/2012 12:22:23 PM ----- BODY:

I read a piece somewhere that said

“If we create 1 new habit and stick with it for 21 days (and of course beyond) we would have created 35 new habits in just 2 years.”

As it turns out, my new habit day happens to be on a Sunday. My first habit was to add swimming to my training regime, which is pretty extensive as you know. Well I found 2 slots during my week that I can use, and I ensure their success by planning ahead.

1)      I always make sure I have my bags packed and in the car before I leave the house

2)      I don’t go home first – I use the journey to and from home to create the pattern that says, it doesn’t matter what time I go, I just go when I am on my way home – twice a week. 3 and a bit weeks in and the habit is working nicely.

My second chosen habit I want to develop is to clean one area of the house every day. I have 2 kids at home and 3 cats, so there is always something to do. But this is more than just keeping the house “clean” rather things get stuffed in cupboards, and while the kids do their bit, they don’t clean to a mother’s standard … and I am sure most mothers out there reading this are nodding their heads in agreement to that statement.

Now, this isn’t going to be a biggie, just one drawer, one cupboard, one “thing” and this week I am starting with the kitchen. My rule for the time is – anything from 5 to 60 minutes is OK – depending on the job I choose.  For example the pots and pans cupboard is likely to take me a bit longer than the kitchen drawers, but less time than say the food cupboard. But each “success” will be built upon and over time I will have cleaned everything.  So by the time the second cleaning happens (think painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge – get to one end and you go back to the beginning) it shouldn’t take as long to do.

Now my list of 35 habits includes “not” items as well as “do” items. For instance I have an occasional habit of buying a cup of coffee from drive through maybe once or twice a week – so for 21 days I will not buy coffee on my way to work (I never drink it after noon anyway).  And I am going to implement that one at the same time as the cleaning one – as in – from Monday. Why? Well the coffee buying habit is one I need to get rid off, because another “habit” on my list is to keep better track of spending. So I am starting with the simple things. Like I said, the old patterns of behaviour will always be there, what we want to do is create a new layer over the old ones.

I know my habit list will change over the course of the 2 years (as it should), and as I create better habits, other things will just happen.

This is something I would recommend everyone has a look at.

Write out 35 habits you think you would like to a) cultivate b) over write

Choose a good starting day for you. Choose one of the items on your list, and make a commitment to yourself for the next 21 days. That's it really, if you can do something for 21 days, then you will be able to keep the new habit for a lifetime ...

Try it, what 35 things do you want to create or overwrite. Remember this, we are not after overnight success, more overlife success

Best

elle

p.s. tonight was swimming night, it said so on my google calendar, thank goodness I had packed my swimming stuff :-D

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Perfect practice makes perfect STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/22/2012 12:05:34 PM ----- BODY:

No, I didn't get the quote wrong.

Most people (and I used to be one of them) say

"practice makes perfect"

Well, what happens if what you are doing is incorrect? - and you don't know any better - how will practice make that any better?

I will give you a very personal perspective ...

Here in Western Australia, you don't get your L plates, learn to drive and then go and take a test - and all of a sudden you are a qualified driver. Nope, here, you take the theory, if you pass you get the L's, then you are allowed to learn to drive, eventually you are deemed good enough and you go to the assessment centre. If you pass, you are allowed to drive for another 6 months on your L's (aka under supervision) before taking a computer based test to test your perception. If you pass that - THEN you are allowed to drive without supervision. And even then you are still under restricted driving conditions. (I would like to say that makes WA drivers the best on the planet ........)

I managed to get my son through his learning and his test - yee ha. He is 38 days away from his perception test and then his P plates ... and here endeth my mom taxi duties ...

My daughter - nope ... so we enlisted the help of a driving instructor, she had lessons, she took the test again, and STILL failed... thankfully the driving assessor took pity on her and gave her some very valuable advice... The driving instructor said she didn't need any more lessons.... Yes, nerves got the better of her last time, but everything crossed and she should do OK the next time  ...

So, while I thought I was teaching my kids the right way to drive, I was teaching them the "british" way - and gosh were they good - 3 point turns, no problem - here, they don't do them ... how was I to know????

And that is the point - don't assume you know...

If you have done something and repeated that something, AND IT'S NOT WORKING FOR YOU then you are falling into the trap of practice makes perfect.

So, take it from me, find someone who can help you

Because

Perfect practice makes perfect

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If at first you don't succeed... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/25/2012 01:57:31 PM ----- BODY:

"If at first you don't succeed ... why do you keep on repeating the same mistakes?"

I am a big believer in trying and re-trying something, but only if I know that what I am doing is wrong, and I am trying to work out just exactly WHAT I did wrong.

It's like hitting the tennis ball over the net ... no, that stroke didn't work, ok I need more power, less top spin, more ... you get the point ...

But what if the person is just hitting the ball and doesn't change his / her stroke - what is the point in that? To be honest most people DO live their lives like that. They do the same things in the same way. They eat the same foods, on the same day each week. They wear the same clothes, they associate with the same kinds of people, and go to the same kinds of places - and these people are the ones who sigh and wish something, somehow would change ...

SORRY it doesn't work like that - no honestly it doesn't.

There are few people in this world who make it the first time they try, but at least they did - and they didn't stop trying:

* The BIG names in fiction today, had written for years, submitting manuscripts, refining their technique - before they hit the big time. Just because we hadn't heard of their work before, doesn't mean they hadn't toiled for years to get to the big time. The truth is - they had.
* A company doesn't build a website and the day after the launch receive a gazillion hits and every other one is a conversion and a million dollar order. No, really it just doesn't happen.
* You can't expect to go for the first job you apply for straight out of school and get the CEO's position.

It takes time, patience and a good deal of temerity.

Does that mean you should give up BEFORE you start?

Of course not! One of the key's to achieving anything is "to start" - then

Refine, if needs be
Try again
Refine
Try again
Take a deep breath - refine - what worked, what didn't work?
Go again ...

Little by little, we move forwards. Occassionally if we are "lucky" - things seemingly fall into place and we go again.

Do not be afraid of making mistakes - the big names have, so why should we think we are going to succeed the very first time?

Deep breath - because it is time to go again

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge: Part 2: Dare to be different or DREAM BIG STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Bucket List DATE: 10/01/2012 06:33:08 AM ----- BODY:

Part 2: Dare to be different or DREAM BIG

To achieve BIG things you have to first of all dream big. You have to visualize yourself in whatever situation and believe it can be true.

I’m sure we’ve all had the dream of becoming a millionaire. It has a nice ring to it doesn’t it

MILLIONAIRE

But do you really know what being a millionaire would be like?

If you say, well my needs are pretty much met, I have a nice home, decent job, a car that’s economical, and I take a week off every year and visit Skegness, then you probably are not destined to become a millionaire.

Why?

Well you seem to be firmly entrenched in your very own comfort zone. You might make the odd change to your life every now and then … new couch when the old one falls to bits, new car when the old one fails it’s road worthiness test, but a millionaire – nah, probably not.

I once heard it said, that the number of zero’s is not what is important in becoming a millionaire. No the real reason for becoming a millionaire is what kind of person you have to become in order to achieve that status.  

Now, you could become a miserable, grumpy, scheming, lying son of a gun, trampling over everyone and everything to get to that point. But would we be able to look at ourselves in the mirror every morning? I doubt it, I know I wouldn’t.

With BIG goals you do have to

a)      Think differently, you also have to

b)      Act VERY differently (no not just differently, but massive change, needs massive action).

Otherwise we will end up doing the same things in the same way and of course never achieving anything other than what we have already managed.

Before we go any further I would like you to write the word MILLIONAIRE at the top of a clean piece of paper, and write down all the words you associate with that word.

Look at the words you have used. Are they positive? Are they negative?

I used to think millionaire’s had to be selfish, nasty people. Then I realized that most of my thinking was based around a certain type of person – for example, the mining magnates who trample over anyone and anything to get what they want. Then I realized the people I admired who were also millionaires were those who took risks, albeit calculated ones. They weren’t afraid if an idea failed, they ruled it out and moved on. These people were also found lots of ways to help other people. 

But let us go back to the beginning of this session for just a moment, because it is important.

What BIG dreams have you had?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you achieved any of them?    YES / No

Which ones have you achieved?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What was it about those BIG dreams that made you achieve them?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What BIG dreams have you put on hold?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last question is perhaps the most important one of all.

I couldn’t do it because …

The kids were too little, I didn’t have the money, I couldn’t think of a way to do it, my family would hate me or whatever else is running through your mind right now.

Remember the last lesson?

Take responsibility for our own inaction – and stop making excuses by blaming other people and circumstances for where we currently are right now…

I’d like you to revisit your BIG dreams over the course of the next 10 days.

Find some quiet time and write down every single BIG idea you have ever had.

The places you have always wanted to visit, the business you wanted to own, the course you really wanted to take rather than the one you were forced into.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s important.

Take one of those BIG dreams, and start working out how you can achieve it.

How?

Well say you always wanted to be a veterinarian, yet your family suggested you get a proper job because of the amount of time and money it would take to achieve.

What can you do?

Well there are multiple starting points.

As you move through the planning process, taking a course, reading the texts, submitting assignments, day by day you will move from thinking about being a vet, to becoming one.

Anything worth achieving is not done overnight – but what we achieve today, can be built upon tomorrow and before you know it – 1 very big dream achieved.

I had always dreamed of visiting California.

I had a list of things I wanted to do, places I would love to visit. I wanted to experience the lifestyle, see the places I had seen so many times on the television, through music videos and TV shows.

But I had other priorities and had never quite made it through the planning phase.

Then I was put on the spot last September by my partner, and all of a sudden IT became the priority.

My kids were now old enough to be left on their own. I organized bills to be paid in advance, I got ahead in my workload.

Thankfully for me, my partner had lived in America, and knew some of the area, where best to go and roughly in what order, so we could see as much as possible. So the planning was a lot easier. I had a list – and one by one, the hotels were booked, the car hire sorted, insurance, money saved, clothes packed and in March of this year – we made it.

The number of things I crossed off my bucket list was phenomenal.

Venice Beach, Santa Monica, end of route 66 and the pier, Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Big Sur, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Berkeley. I even know the way to San Jose (though I won’t be going there again). The Napa Valley and across the border through California City (check it out on Google maps – it’s a fascinating story) into Vegas – and to top off the road trip – a helicopter flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and into the Grand Canyon… WOW, WOW, WOW.

But there were other things I had not expected to ever see:

Eagles flying the thermals over Big Sur, a place called Avila Beach and elephant seals basking on the beach close to the Hirst Castle.

And I have thousands of photographs to prove it. But I have them as a rolling screen saver to remind me just what can be achieved with planning and taking small but measured steps on a daily basis.

Action Steps:

Complete the exercises above.

Imagine what it would be like to achieve those dreams? Find the pictures; give time for your imagination to play with the idea. Then

Take one item and begin.

You can download a word version of today's program

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What would happen if ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/30/2012 12:45:53 PM ----- BODY:

"All the things we achieve are things we have first of all imagined"
David Malouf

You cannot create that which you cannot see
You cannot create that which you believe cannot be created
You cannot change your life until you change your beliefs
And
You begin to believe in the beauty of your dreams and your infinite right to create the life you need to create.

Dreams are important, in fact they are essential to life.

Everything you see around you was first just an idea in the mind of someone who wondered, what would happen if ...

But that is usually where it stops. Our subconscious kicks in, assuming our well meaning family and friends haven't already chucked a massive bucket of cold water on our ideas...

We are told to stop dreaming, get a proper job. We are asked - what are you doing that for? We are questioned, we are ridiculed, and when we give up we are told, "see I told you so"

So what can we do?

Well, I have gone through my life alternating between telling people what I am going to do, and being told I am too old, the wrong sex, that my idea is stupid - and going it alone. So now, I usually take the first couple of steps and when it is obvious it is working, then I may say something.

But imagine just for a moment, if you had the support of your family, friends and your local bank manager ... what kind of difference would that make to you? Would you be more or less likely to go for your dreams and goals?

So -

What would happen if -

What you dreamed about, you could bring about?

Would you be excited at the prospect of your future life? Or do you need to add a few more colours to the palette that is your life at the moment?

Let your mind wander, never be afraid to dream big things. But after you have added the details to your "dream" it is vital that you do something, anything that will start moving you towards bringing that dream into your life.

You say "I want a new car"

Ok - what sort, what style, what engine size, what colour, where will you go for a test drive, how much will it cost, do you need to talk finance to someone, do you need to get another job, do you need to get your licence, do you need to ... WHAT do you need to do to reach that goal of owning that car?

And it is the same with anything - a new job, a new house, a new company, running a marathon, studying for a degree, a new widget ... it's your dream, you tell me.

Never stop dreaming ...

With many dreams and goals in mind, how about you?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: He died 1 year ago today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Movies CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 10/06/2012 06:45:56 AM ----- BODY:

Why should someone who died a year ago, be in any way motivational?

Well that person was Steve Jobs

In a year we can only guess just how much he would have achieved had he lived...

As a reminder of what Steve Jobs learned and was willing to share, re-watch his commencement speech he gave to the graduating class of Stamford 2005



What have you achieved in the last year?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Which business books would you re-read? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/04/2012 07:15:31 AM ----- BODY:

A couple of days ago, a friend of mine asked exactly that question -

The stipulation was - you were not allowed to read any NEW business books for 1 year. You could only re-read those you had finished ...

What would you re-read?

You can read my answer here

If you have a blog and would like to write your list and then send me the link I will post a link back to you ... that way we can all learn from each other :-D

If you don't have a blog, but want to add your list - just add it to the comments

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The importance of mastermind groups STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching DATE: 10/10/2012 12:43:33 PM ----- BODY:


Which I also refer to as "why re-invent the wheel" or there isn't enough time to learn everything yourself, so work with people who can push you further and faster.

This last couple of weeks has been a very good example for me.

During the last 3 weeks I have had 3 very different group trainers - each relatively new onto the scene, each with their own training style and specialisation. One is a contender for the 400m Australian sprint team at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The 2nd is a mixed martial artist who uses the money he gets from group / personal training to further his passion and sport, and the third is a lady who discovered exercise and fitness as a way to stop the weight yo-yo-ing. Mel had us in hysterics during this morning's class as she explained that the last holiday she went on there was an oversight on her part and hadn't booked a place that had a gym... so she taught her youngest how to hold a plank position and then used her as a weights workout. Benchpress and squat your kids weight ... too funny... and I won't begin to tell you about the dance sequence she and a fellow trainee started when a certain song came on the radio.

Each one had a new way of explaining the basics - and believe me it is always a good thing to go back to the basics occassionally - "ladies, she began, we all have a six-pack, it's just most of them are hiding under a doona (sorry, that's australian vernacular for a duvet), the trick is to shed the doona."

And then she proceeded to give us some very good examples of how to get more into our days:

* use those 10 minutes you have waiting to do some squats, or lunges, or if you can drop and do some push ups or hold the plank for a minute, rest then do it again... (and we won't go into the responses about heels, skirts, and open plan offices, but I do get her point)
* feed your engines, but don't put out the fire by eating too much in one go.

But it doesn't just relate to exercise, health and fitness of course. I love meeting with my partner and our respective clients. Each brings something completely new to the knowledge table. Conversations about cloud computing, story telling as a way of engaging with customers, how to engage clients when they hit your websites, the importance of information governance, how to manage corporate information and the challenges facing small business.

And how do we keep up with these conversations and discussions? I don't know about you, but I spend as much time listening as well as contributing to the mix. And - I read - continuously across as many subjects as I can find the time for:

* Personal and professional development
* Legislation relating to business information management
* Human Resources / Personnel / Employment / People in organisations (or whatever the buzz terms are at the moment)
* Everything IT - publishing, marketing, libraries

Our worlds are converging faster than at any other time I feel, so it is vital that we keep on top of it all - if we are to remain at the top of our games, and grow ourselves and our busineses.

And we do that by talking to people who are working in other areas, and / or are higher on the success ladder than we currently are.

As you know:

* If you constantly surround yourself with people who are on the same level that you are - you won't grow;
* If you read the same kind of material as you have always read, the same thoughts are going to swish around your mind as they have always done;
* If you watch the same kinds of programs;
* Do the same things.

You are not going to get very far, are you!

This week, find a way to connect with at least one person who is outside your normal circle of people. But and this is important - find out what you can offer them? What new insight can you offer?

I did that today - twice in fact. Thanks to my prolific reading I was able to point someone who is in the consumer behaviour business towards several books he hadn't heard of, but I had read ... And why he should spend several hours reading them. He was grateful for the advice I gave him, and during our discussion I learned several important things too. The main one being...

We all have something important to contribute - so don't be afraid to speak up.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The Science of Procrastination and How to Manage it STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/29/2012 02:18:00 AM ----- BODY:

Interesting little video I found that talks about the science of motivation - and as importantly what you can do to manage it.

The Science of Procrastination and How to Manage It, Animated « adafruit industries blog

The Science of Procrastination and How to Manage It, Animated

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge: Part 3: The land of regret STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/13/2012 06:28:09 AM ----- BODY:

* The100 Day Challenge - What's in it for me? Part 3: The land of regret
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 13th October 2012
---------------------------
Part 3: The land of regret.

If you have completed the last part, you should have a list of all the BIG dreams you have ever had in your life.  You might say, well that’s all well and good but most of what I wanted to do as a kid, there isn’t a call for anymore. Well that’s OK, there may no longer be any careers as steam train drivers, but there is nothing stopping you finding a society that looks after and restores old engines that you can play with on a weekend now is there. The thing is most degrees are out of date by the time you have finished them, engineers for example. What they are taught in year 1 is no longer valid by year 4. And how do you think IT specialists deal with it?

Well for one thing, they keep on learning – and so should you. You should also be willing to re-evaluate what it is you said you wanted to be when you grew up.
Nowhere did I say that you had to have these things as a career anymore. But if train driving is still a passion for you – you do need to find a way to address that otherwise you will forever live in the land of regret.

The land of regret has a sign on the front gate that reads:

“If only I had”

Underneath that is a ledger where you have to list everything you have ever wanted to do, but have never achieved, before you can get in. It can also be called our version of “hell”.
Imagine being tormented not only in this life, but beyond with ‘people’ telling you … well if only you had …

To my mind that would indeed be a living hell.

Now you may regret doing things, but to my way of thinking at least you took action, you never got to the end and wondered what if. No you gave it a darn good go, even if it didn’t quite work out as you expected.

I ran into an ex colleague of mine at a seminar a couple of weeks ago. She had left the corporate information world to realise her dream of opening a store. Unfortunately it coincided with the GFC and within a year they had lost the business, their house and now several years later were back in the corporate world, earning enough money to live AND pay off the debts they had accumulated.

In her mind she was a failure.

In mine she was amazing.

Ok, the timing of the venture wasn’t great. It also turns out, the business model and location weren’t crash hot either I found out. BUT – she did it.

Failure doesn’t just happen to mum and dad shops either. One of the biggest designers in Perth has just gone into liquidation. She had sold her house and car to refinance the business and still ended up losing it.

How many times has Donald Trump gone to the wall?

Will these people bounce back?

Of course they will, and they will come back stronger, because they know the lessons and they will forever know what not to do next time.

So:

Do you want to live in the land of regret or do you want to reach the pinnacle of what is success to you?

Remember:

Success is individual:
• We may never be an Olympic athlete, but we can always beat our personal bests.
• Our books may not reach No. 1 on the New York Times best seller list, but hitting the top 100 on Amazon’s Kindle store for your genre of writing would be amazing.
• I have managed to raise 2 healthy, non-smoking, non-drug-taking, studying full time, working part time well-adjusted kids as a single parent (albeit with a lot of emotional support from my partner).

What does success mean to you?

Take a moment and list every single thing you have achieved so far to date:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go on, I’m still here, and use another sheet of paper if you need to.

When you start to look at what it is you have achieved to date, you will be astounded.

For example:
• I am a qualified Librarian with a Bachelor’s degree in Library Studies
• I am now an information management consultant and speak to large organisations about how they can manage their information, and I have created 3 information centres for corporations in the last couple of years
• I have founded Motivate Me and speak to thousands of people each year
• I gained my Queen’s Guide at the age of 16 and have a letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second

And I could go on. But what was it about my successes?

One word “PASSION”

I was passionate about what I wanted to achieve. I worked out the steps I needed to take to get there. I did the work. I repeated the steps. I made adjustments as I went along. I carried on learning, re-learning and learning some more and I was willing to ask for help if I didn’t know how to do something.

And that is how you avoid living in the land of regret.

You find what it is you are passionate about and you go for it.

Action steps:

* Complete the questions and sections above.
* Compare your dreams to your list of passions – are they in alignment?
* What can you do to ensure they are in alignment?

You can download a copy of Part 3 if you would prefer to work from a hard copy or save it to your computer.

I'll speak to you soon

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: We can live a life of regret - or... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/09/2012 01:22:56 AM ----- BODY:

We can live a life of regret - or we can do something about it

Really, it says everything that ever needs to be said.

But just to clarify what I mean -

Do not tell me you wish things could change
Do not tell me you wish you had done some thing differently
Do not tell me you wish you had spoken to someone before they had moved on to another realm
Do not tell me you wish you had written that book / created that business / finished a relationship that hadn't worked - and you didn't

All we have is NOW

That's it, right this minute

Yes, we can plan ahead, but it is what we do NOW that matters

Because your future lies in what you do NOW

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What are the standards you live by? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/17/2012 12:03:01 PM ----- BODY:

We all have standards, my question to you is

Are those standards serving you or not?

What are your standards for:The language you speak


Repeat all of the above if you are en employer - what are the standards of the people working for you?

I asked that question of my social media network ... and the answers were very interesting with most quoting  the "golden rule"

That being

"Do unto others that which you would have done to you, if the positions were reversed"

With a second stream quoting the Wiccan Rede "An it harm none, do as you will"

While these are both wonderful rules to live your life by, I would like to know what standards and rules do you live by?

And are they serving you or not?

Do you need to raise your standards?

With love and light

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Haris EMAIL: IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: DATE: 10/24/2012 12:51:22 AM My overall standard of living is pretty high but mostly due to my parents whom I live with and am supported. This just reminded me that my standards in classes/school should be higher. I think I have given up on the fact that I need to make A's like I did in high school. Last night I told myself that it's not a choice to not do my work and studying. I must do it. So hopefully this will help renew myself.

Thanks,
Haris - USA ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle EMAIL: IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: DATE: 10/24/2012 01:10:08 AM That's wonderful Haris

I personally feel there is always room for improvement - even if only slightly ...

Go for the 1% rule each day. How can you be 1% better today than yesterday?

It doesn't seem like much, but believe me by the end of the week you will be 7% better in your chosen area than you were last week.

For me it is appearance. I can be guilty of spending my non-client time in gym gear, hair in a messy pony tail, no makeup etc. Granted I do a lot of exercise each week, but I need to make changing a bigger priority - and with it I feel a better standard of living / working as a result.

Best wishes

Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be aimful not aimless STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/13/2012 12:07:34 PM ----- BODY:

Yes - aimful is a word

it means

"possessing purpose or aim"
http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/aimful

Which makes sense when you consider if we are aimless we don't have a purpose or aim ...

I'm not sure why it isn't used, in fact my partner thought he had made up the word when we were walking in the hills this morning during our reboot time.

We found out afterwards when we were having a cup of tea (ah the beauty of smart phones) that it is a word ...

2 things - I hope we are friends on facebook because there are a couple of gorgeous pics from this mornings walk ... a stunning winters day I posted on there for you to enjoy.


Lesmurdie National Park
The second thing I would ask you to consider is this

If we are what we think
And
We say what we think
Then
What we say makes us who we are

(thanks Mike for that absolute gem this morning)

So what are you thinking?
What are you saying?
And
Is this who you really are?

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When do you get going after a weekend? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/13/2012 12:08:26 PM ----- BODY:

When do you get going after a weekend?

Here in Australia we are coming to end of Monday.

I consider that I have achieved a fair bit today, perhaps not as much as I would have liked, but that is the beauty and the "problem" with working in the customer service industry - my customers always come first. But other things that I can control:

* I've eaten well (that is, I have followed my personal diet plan)
* I went for a walk at lunch time and
* After my working day was completed, I went to my personal trainer and she kicked my butt.

Now at home:
* I've cleaned the kitchen,
* fetched in laundry,
* put some more into the washing machine,
* fed and played with cats,
* packed gym and swimming gear
* boiling eggs for breakfast and
* I am now talking to you... yes I still have to fetch my son and eat dinner, but I am getting there.

To live an aimful life, we need to be aware of what it is we are doing, we need to have aims, we need to have goals, and we need to take the steps to achieve them.

To me it doesn't matter what day of the week it is. I don't treat Friday afternoons and Monday mornings as extensions to my weekend, and if you want to get more out of your life, I would ask that you do the same.

One of my work colleagues was bemoaning the fact that she didn't have time to read fiction (she was talking about the fifty shades series and the hunger games trilogy, all of which I have read) - she said "I only have time to read stuff related to work..." trying to be smug...

To which (and I am sorry to say couldn't help saying...) I countered - I read when you are watching the television (and she does watch a lot of it if the conversations over lunch are anything to go by) ... and when I can snatch five minutes between projects...

Let me put it this way -

We will always do those things we want to do.

She wants to watch the TV at night to wind down - which is fine, do what you like - just don't tell me you don't have time to do something else. BTW - I prefer to buy the series, that way when I have a free afternoon I can have an ad free and uninterrupted goggle box session. Just like the movies I want to watch.

If you want to live an aimful life it is important to align your aims with your actions - always.

Scuse me, the washing is finished and I need to hang it out before I fetch my boy

Speak soon

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Lies we tell ourselves: I can't think ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/24/2012 12:34:37 PM ----- BODY:

I can't think
I have writers block
I hate the blank page I can't work

These statements and others like them are insidious lies we tell ourselves.

We fix our thoughts on outside noise and blame that for our supposed inability to start work.

I can't think because of:

* The sirens are screaming past the office
* People are talking really loudly about some rubbish or other down the corridor
* The telephones are always ringing and ...

As I write this my daughter and her friend are watching the simpsons (very loudly). My son and his friend have just come home long enough for them to eat, change and go out again and the kitten has just dug his claws into my leg because I am not paying him any attention ... or whatever it is we are focussing on at that particular time.

There is some truth however to this. Did you know that for every interruption we face, it can take about 8 minutes of uninterrupted time to get back to the same level of thought before we were interrupted. But that's ok, and I will explain why in just a moment.

But to my mind, the lie "I can't think" is simply that. A lie we tell ourselves all the time as the excuse to not do something. As we talked about the other day - it is a lack of focus.

Because we are thinking ALL the time.

"why do people have to be sooooo noisy"
"why are next door's kids still awake, it must be after their bed time"
"why are the kids watching ... they know I hate that program"

And the counter - don't they know I am trying to ... work / think / do my "stuff"

The truth is, as I have found, it doesn't matter how many interruptions I am faced with - if I know what I am supposed to doing, and I know where I am going with it. I can pick up where I have left off every time. Granted I would get more done WITHOUT the pointless interruptions, but not being able to think isn't the problem.

I think it is more akin to not knowing what we need to do first that is the biggest problem we face. It may be that our project isn't inspiring enough for us to continue working on it, or to even begin working on it.

So what is the solution? Well there are many, here are a few to consider:

1) The best solution is to start anyway. The best way to fuel the fire of creativity is to have a spark to begin with. And how do you get that spark? You begin. You have to light the match to produce the flame, so why not begin your project in any way you can to fan them. Once you get going the motivation follows.

2) Use a pencil and paper rather than a keyboard or pen. Pencil is great as an anti-procrastination tool. We are not afraid to doodle, to draw, to erase and start again. It's a little harder with a pen. While it is easy to hit CTRL A and the delete button it doesn't have quite the same feeling as scrubbing out the lines with an eraser.

3) Get out and do stuff. If you have tried the above techniques and you are still struggling, then to my mind you need to find something to inspire you - and you do that by doing something, and preferably something different. I walk every lunch time. Different routes, different times. I don't listen to music and I prefer to walk alone - because it allows my mind to wander. As I walk I can process the stuff that has been wandering around my head all morning and once that is out of the way I start asking myself questions:

 - What would happen if ...
 - What am I worried about ...
 - Why did she / he wear THAT colour combination - didn't they look in the mirror before they left the house - followed by - gosh I wish I was as confident as that to wear that colour combination - why am I no longer confident to wear that colour combination... oh yes, black goes with everything!!
 - What can I do about ...

I don't expect an answer and certainly not straight away, but the act of asking the questions gives my mind something to work on as as my other senses absorb what is going on around me.

 - What can I see?
 - What can I hear?
 - What can I smell?
 - What can I feel?
 - How far were you planning on walking today anyway? (actually I do know the answer to that one)
 
And sometimes I will wander into a shop (store) (BTW I don't take money with me when I walk) - but I do it so I can absorb diiferent environments / smells / textures / displays / colours

Everything is a glorious cacophany of images and impressions. Life as a creative should be filled with intense moments of doing "stuff" that will add to your store of previously processed material. If you want to provide the people you interact with, with a rich experience, first you have to have had one yourself.

Make time today to expand your life and you won't have the problem with not being able to think, the problem you will have will be to distill what you have done so you can share it in such a way as you can inspire them...

With many moments and inspired thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: John EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 81.136.172.132 URL: http://www.jjleonard.co.uk DATE: 10/24/2012 09:48:50 PM Thank you, Elle, for another incredibly inspiring post. I am following the 100 day programme and diligently trying, every day, to get closer to the goals I have set for myself. It's not easy, but ultimately it will be worth it. I occasionally document my struggles and successes on my blog, and my most recent post expands a little on your theme of getting up and doing something different - although I tend to use the word Grit, referred to by Merlin Mann in a recent Back to Work episode.

I've thrown my thoughts together in my most recent post - http://jjleonard.co.uk/2012/grit.

Thanks for your daily encouragement! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle DATE: 10/25/2012 01:56:27 AM Blessings John, great blog post BTW

Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Everything is important STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/27/2012 12:15:00 PM ----- BODY:

These are some of the quotations taken from the many years and hundreds of editions of the “Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine” I just thought you might like to read them

* I am convinced now more than ever that we can all do amazing things. It's just that sometimes we can't be bothered.

* When we commit to life long learning, we are willing to admit that today we don't know it all.

* If you want to achieve great things it's no good mixing with people who are happy where they are, doing what they've always done.

* The hardest step getting started on a project is usually the first one and involves "you" telling “your” mind that “you” want to do it.

* Everything is important…

* Live in the now, but keep one eye on the future.

* When you are faced with a decision and don't know which way to go – go with the bolder choice.

* Take the hourglass approach to problem solving – deal with things one grain of sand at a time.

* The real purpose of a to-do list isn't to see how much you can get through in any one day, but to see what shouldn't be on it at all.

* Don't ever get to the point where you think you are "THE" expert on a subject – You're not - get over it. Remember the strawberry – We are the strawberry.

* Your major limiting belief about ANY goal - occurs right between your ears.

* Yesterdays are lost opportunities.

* You can reach any goal just by making the right kind of minute, minute-by-minute decisions.

* The problem I've found is because it’s so easy to do, it’s also easy not to do. We let things build up because we don't think it’s important enough.

* Everything you do carries your signature. Sign your life and your work with pride.

* Do your thoughts affect the effect or infect the effect you are after?

* Our true education only stops when we decide we have ALL the information we need to live the life we want to live.

* We are only as good as the last idea we had. What was your last good idea?

With many thoughts

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Far reaching effects STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/31/2012 12:28:54 PM ----- BODY:

As I write this my thoughts are with those in the USA who are suffering the direct effects of Hurricane Sandy.

Lives will be forever changed as a result of what has happened over the last couple of days.

For some that will be positive - what can we re-build as a result of this disaster?
For some that will be negative - nothing can be salvaged, what's the point of it all?

Please believe me, I am not discounting the personal losses or injury that have resulted, but I would like to offer a personal opinion on the far reaching effects of this particular natural disaster. As you know I am based in Perth, Western Australia. I chose to create my website using one of the best platforms (IMO) called Squarespace.

Until yesterday I didn't know that the Squarespace data center was located in lower manhattan. Yes Motivate Me is located in lower manhattan which is currently under quite a lot of water.

Last night we got a message from the founder of Squarespace to say they had flipped to backup generators and hoped to keep running as they had throughout all the previous disasters to hit that area in recent times. This time of course they did not expect to contend with the movie like scenario (the day after tomorrow) of seawater entering the basements of the building they were housed in, effectively drowning their backup generators and their fuel stores. But what followed was nothing short of remarkable. The staff stayed in the building and physically carried fuel up the numerous flights of stairs to the generator of last resort on the top of the building in the hope to keep everyone's business running.

And so far, they have done just that.

When faced with disaster of not just their own business, but that of huge corporations and organisations, as well as the small blogs which use the squarespace platform - the people stayed, they created sleeping areas and they lugged fuel and will continue to do so - so long as they are capable of doing so. The founder is with them, and he will make the decision to do a clean shut down of the data centers if things become untenable (to be fair most would have run for the hills by now)... they are still going.

As you know I work in the information industry, and we are constantly having discussions about disaster planning and recovery, backups - offsite as well as onsite, and of course cloud storage. But cloud storage providers are reliant on multiple data centers in numerous locations - our question was a simple one. Given the widespread devastation - how far away from your main seat of operations is far enough if you want to remain online and in business - and of course that of your businesses you are hosting.

From the team here at Motivate Me, to everyone out there, take care, be safe and we hope you will find the motivation to keep going no matter what.

With love, light and many thanks to Anthony Casalena and the team of squarespace - you are all amazing.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: http://www.motivateme.info DATE: 11/01/2012 12:28:53 AM The way Peer 1 data center have kept businesses like mine alive during the Hurricane has made the records management news - disaster planning and recovery ...

"Diesel 'Bucket Brigade' Keeps Peer 1 Online at 75 Broad » Data Center Knowledge
A determined team of employees of Peer 1 Hosting, blog host Squarespace and Fog Creek Software have formed a “bucket brigade” to relay 5-gallon buckets of diesel fuel up 17 flights of stairs at 75 Broad Street to refuel a generator providing emergency power to the Peer 1 data center.
http://bit.ly/T7usDf" ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge - What's in it for me - Part 5: Actions speak louder STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/02/2012 11:44:29 AM ----- BODY:

A goal properly set is halfway reached
Zig Ziglar

When I begin each training session, be it the gym, going for a power walk, run or swim - I use the first few minutes of each work out to warm up, not just the muscles in my body but my mind as well.

Why do I start slowly?

Because I want both my mind and body to wake up to the reason that I am about to do something and they had better get used to the idea.

Question: How do you start a fire?

It's actually not a trick question. You start a fire - with fire, namely a spark - be it a match, two flint stones rubbed together, a pointed stick turned really quickly on a flatter piece or however else you choose to light a fire. But to create fire in your life you have to have the spark to begin with. Which is why, when I don't particularly want to do something, I will start it anyway. If I don't want to write, I will get out my journal and I will write down a few lines - what is going on in my mind / life that is bothering me. Once it is out and onto paper, once my mind and my hands are working together I can begin the real writing. How do you think this was written. It is a Friday evening. I don't want to write, I want to have an early night. BUT my diary says - NO - the Challenge email is due today, you have got to write...

*sits up taller and puts fingers onto the keyboard*

Once my mind and my muscles get warmed to the idea, I can push myself beyond what I think are my initial capabilities.

Why would I push myself to do something? More to the point - why should you push yourself to do something that you don't particularly want to do? Well for me the reason is quite simple. If you don't push yourself you won't improve. At best you will stay where you are. And besides which my subconscious would spend the rest of my Friday night nagging me that I should have done so and so, which means I won't get the sleep I so desperately need, so I am working while my daughter and her girlfriend are getting ready for a night on the town - ahh - the life of teenagers :-)

Lets face it, we all know how to make changes to our lives, it's just that sometimes we don't want to. We're happy doing what we've always done, eating the same foods, wearing the same kinds of clothes, going to the same places, having the same kind of hairstyle.

It's just "me" you say

Well "me" are you being true to your true self?

We have asked this question before, but it is worth repeating -

What did you want to be when you grew up?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you living your dream yet? YES / NO

I know it can be hard to deliberately push yourself out of your zone of comfort, be it at the gym or in any other part of your life. But just beyond that boundary is where the fun stuff begins to happen. That's where the CHANGE occurs.

Sorry, did I say that horrid C word!

For most people that word is scarier than going to the dentist.

But let me put it to you in an altogether easier way to comprehend the importance of change in our lives.

Would you wear the same clothes, day in, day out - never washing them, and as a result yourself?

If you said - YEAH why not? Please go to the back of the class - ewwww *holds nose with fingers of left hand and sprays the air with freshener with the right*

Change is important, in fact it is vital if we are to get out of our stinkin way of life.

We are into the last 60 days of the year. I would like you to take one of your goals and I want you to double it, in fact quadruple it.

Say for example your goal was to reach an extra $50,000 in sales by the end of the year, what would you have to do if you were to double that to $100,000 or quadruple it to reach $200,000. Before you splutter incoherently and hit the delete button, remember - this is a pen and paper exercise - but an important one. With one caveat - no idea is stupid, but it has to be legal and ethical. So stealing is out, so is robbing a bank or undermining your work colleagues / competitors and "stealing" their customers.

So for example:

What is an average sale for you?
How many people did you have to call on to get your current numbers?

Could you?
* Make more telephone calls?
* Make more direct sales visits?

I suppose it depends how you are using your current allotted time, but I would say there would be room to maneuver. But are there cleverer ways?
* Could you use a newsletter to reach more people at a single time? Remember though a newsletter is not a sales pitch, it is a "clever" way to help your clients. As you help them, good things can and will come back to you. If you don't think that can work, there is some additional homework - please get out your copy of "The go-giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann (http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore/ it's an alphabetical list, just scroll down the page).
* Could you use social media to get people talking to you and you to them? Building relationships is vital in business, if you are not after a one-off sale that is, and who would be that silly?)
* Could you do a presentation to more people at the same time? You might have to brush up on your presentation and speaking skills, but ...

Like I said, no idea is silly, outrageous or not worthy of consideration. Write them down, which one of your own ideas could you put to work today on your business to make this grow?

Of course this is just one part of our lives. If you are not in business and / or sales, how can you use this principle to make changes to your own life?

* Do you want to lose 10lbs by the end of the year? What would you have to do to lose 20lbs?
* Do you want to save $1,000 in the 100 days of the challenge? What would you have to do to save $2,000?
* Do you want to halve your credit card debt in the 100 days? Why not aim to get rid of all of it?
* Cut the cigarettes down by half? Why not give up completely?

Take the goal that means the most to you and double your actions. Build on each tiny success and double it.

For those new to the 100 day challenge, previous editions can be found at:

http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/10/11/2012-100-day-challenge-program-whats-in-it-for-me.html

The next part of the 100 day challenge will be with you in 10 days

With love and light

Elle

You can download a copy of Part 5


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Always look on the bright side of life ... monty python STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/04/2012 04:09:26 AM ----- BODY:

I read something the other day that made me stop, think and then cracked me up before I started nodding my head in agreement.

It went along the lines of

Each and every one of is the sum of 3 people:

And the bit that at first cracked me up -

The negative person thinks doom, gloom, that things will go wrong - and is SELDOM DISAPPOINTED (my emphasised shouty capitals)

When you look at who you are, which one is your dominant person?

With love, light and a happy sunday to you all

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Sterling Silver EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 71.179.222.11 URL: DATE: 11/04/2012 06:46:42 AM And that person, when the positive peeks out is seldom appreciative of just how good it is, no mater what level it obtains.

If you were to pass your situation around for all the population of the planet to see, 9 / 10 would see you just swimming in abundance and blessings and would trade with you in a flash. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What is on my bucket list STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Bucket List DATE: 11/05/2012 12:11:23 PM ----- BODY:

What is on my bucket list?

Well to be honest the list is endless and forever changing as I achieve my goals and challenge myself to achieve many more... this is my current list

I hope it inspires you to think BIGGER than ever before

What do you want to achieve?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A case of the guilts made me work harder STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/07/2012 12:19:46 PM ----- BODY:

I had such a bad work day yesterday (for me that is) I was guilty of stinkin thinkin (as someone once said).

Software kept falling over, projects stalled, social media was giving me the ... I was in fact guilty of letting other people's negativity overflow into my thought space (notwithstanding the stupid software that wouldn't let me edit a 900 page document (manual) *sighs*). I did have a good night - but ...

This morning I had every intention of getting up before dawn and heading to the gym - until I woke up and couldn't shake the overriding negativity... until that is I had the attack of the guilts. I normally train twice on a Wednesday, once at 6am (group training) and again at 6pm (personal training) - it's just how my weekly schedule works out. Well after the double schedule last week I couldn't walk for 2 days I was so sore...and I think I am relatively fit, until my trainer (Hilary Reid - http://www.efit121.com.au) challenges my body that is... OMG - anyway back to this morning.

We had training scheduled (information management as opposed to physical activity) at work and in my mind I could have been justified for thinking I could give this morning's physical training a miss, given that I had to be in the office at stupid o'clock to ensure everything was organised and ready for the trainees to arrive.

So I re-set my alarm at 5am and went back to bed...

After 30 minutes of lying there listening to my partner breathing very heavily (OK snoring) I decided to get up and just do it ...

And then I made another decision, as I wasn't seeing Hils tonight (her hubby was undergoing part of his treatment for cancer today) I thought that I would just go for it. So I did. Instead of jogging I sprinted on the treadmill, the boys (men) in the class raised eyebrows at the sound of boxing glove on the punching bag (channeling Captain America). For 30 minutes I gave my mind (through my body) the out it needed and it was sooooo good. When I think of Hils and Doug I know I have nothing to complain about (love them to bits).

I was in the office for 7.30am and finalising today's training session - and I have to say, the joy in the trainee's was a pleasure to see and hear. They got it, they understood and the feedback was glorious.

Would I have achieved the same result if I hadn't had the attack of the guilts at 5am. Personally I don't think so.

Some days are easy, some days are not and some days you just have to go for it.

I hope today you went for it

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Eat half - my favourite weight loss tip - what's yours? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/15/2012 12:17:40 PM ----- BODY:

One of the ways I keep my weight under control is to

*drum roll please*

Eat only half of what I was going to eat.

Actually I can't claim proprietary knowledge over that statement - it was a suggestion given to me by my trainer Hilary Reid (http://www.efit121.com.au) - but it wasn't even given to me as a suggestion to lose weight rather a client who was so large the tape measure didn't fit around him. She was just telling me how she could begin to help him in his weight loss journey.

It's actually a really good suggestion given that most of us seem to have forgotten what a proper portion of food is...

For instance:

a portion of banana is - about a quarter of a whole one.
an apple = half (if the whole is about the size of a tennis ball)
cheese = the size of a box of matches
protein - the size of your palm

But to the gentleman who had half his body weight to lose - she suugested this as his first weight loss goal - eat half of what you were going to eat - if you were going to eat 2 pizzas, eat 1. If you were going to eat 1 loaf of bread - then eat half and so on.

So that is my weight loss tip - courtesy of my trainer - eat half of what you were going to eat...

BTW - the other half of my dinner is in the fridge and I will have it for lunch tomorrow. And what did I have for dinner? chicken breast - broiled, broccoli, carrots and a mash of potato, sweet potato and pumpkin (sorry mike - but it was yummy).

What is your weight loss tip?

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Paying it forward STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/18/2012 07:26:28 AM ----- BODY:

I love being able to pay it forward - but what does that mean in reality though?

Well doing something for someone who wasn't expecting it.

I was sent a whole stack of promotional coupons recently. You got discounts if you spent over a certain amount at a certain supermarket ... I didn't make the target for this week, so left the coupon for someone who did...

And there was a second pay it forward today, and one that I won't tell you about - because I want it to be a surprise for the person who will get it, and yes they are on this list so *shoooosh*

But I have done many different pay it forwards over the years, for example:

* bought lottery tickets for people and sent in the mail with no name
* paying for the person behind me in the line - at the coffee drive through, and / or toll booths
* passed on parking vouchers when there has been money left on them so the next person didn't have to waste money
* mowed my neighbours front lawn when i've been doing my own
* washing a friend's car because I was washing my own
* painted a friend's house - in fact i've done it twice now - 2 different friends
* sent my mum groceries via an online supermarket checkout
* visiting a retired couple on my way home from the office
* fed various creatures when their owners were away or in the last instance, when the lady was in having her 2nd child

I tell you, the feeling it gives, well it makes me smile, and I know the recipients appreciate them...

Why should we pay it forward?

Well I like to think it's because we can.

Do you pay it forward?

How?

With many thoughts

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How you allocate your spare time is a good indication of whether or not you will achieve your goals STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/23/2012 02:29:43 AM ----- BODY:

How you allocate your spare time is a good indication of whether or not you will achieve your goals – OR NOT.

You may argue that working a full time job, taking care of the home, garden, kids and your partner leaves you with little time to do anything else, so why can’t you chill out and relax with friends and a movie. Well I am not saying you can’t, all I am going to do is challenge that thinking just a little.

One of the areas we need to look at are New Year’s Resolutions. That time when we decide that we hate everything and we are going to change every single thing we do. We are going to stop spending money, give up smoking, exercise more,  get a better job, travel more, write that book, set up our own business. The reason why most (if not all) New Year’s Resolutions fail is because:

a) We want to change too much too quickly, it can be overwhelming to change every aspect of your life, overwhelming and almost impossible to maintain
b) They are negative. Stopping this and giving up that always means we are coming from a negative view point – it’s hard to get inspired from a negative....over a long period of time, and to make lasting change usually takes time.
c) We are usually out of our normal routines when we make those decisions. It’s easy to exercise every day and find time to cook healthy meals when we are not bogged down with trying to make a living (ie going to work, take the kids to school etc).

Now I know we are several months away from New Year – but that doesn’t mean you have to put a stop to making changes now – and wait for that arbitrary point in the calendar that says – 1st January. It’s like waiting for Monday to roll around so we can start our diets / exercise plan or whatever it is we say we are going to do on a particular day at some point in the future.

You and I both know, the only time we really have is NOW. That’s it. We don’t know what is going to happen later on today – lives can change in an instant, so why are we waiting for the 3rd day of the month of Givover before we start.

NOW is all the time there is. So what are you doing with your NOW?

As I write this, I am sitting up in bed – box of tissues, headache tablets and cough medicine by my side. I woke up for the 2nd time today about an hour ago. It’s just a cold bug, though it does have flu like symptoms which are not nice.  But now I am awake, but not willing to take my germs into work – at least for today I have loaded up my netbook and I am going through the many files, articles and bits of books I have littered through the directory and I am making use of my enforced down time. I have to say though I have turfed the kitten out of the bedroom – he has no respect it seems for handwritten notes on bits of paper, and my throat is too sore to keep yelling at him – so he has had to go, it is also much quieter without him carrying on like a demented – well kitten.

One of my main goals of course is to make sense of the articles, books and stories and do something with them, which is why I am not wallowing in my current illness, just using my time – and when I need a snooze I will have one. But most of the time we don’t get chance to have a day propped up in bed. What we do have is our “normal” schedules, and that is why I think our goals fail most of the time.
Where can we find blocks or spaces in our daily / weekly routines to see where we can make some small but subtle changes that says, over the course of a few weeks I can do this. This is the time that I have – AFTER I’ve done everything that I currently have to do.

What we are looking for is not massive changes, but ways to achieve small steps towards those massive changes we say we want.
• I have trouble keeping my train of thought for writing in 5 minutes, but you can write at least 2 thirds of a page in that time, if that is all the time you have.
• You can clean out a drawer in a few minutes, multiply the number of drawers in your house and you know how many time slots it will take you.
• I am busy pulling out all the winter grass that has grown through the mulch in my garden. I use a standard bucket and I do 2 at a time. Anymore and my back simply hurts too much – so I intersperse weed pulling with other jobs.

Each time you complete your allotted time / task is a small but significant step towards your bigger goals, so never discount those odd 5 minutes you thought weren’t important. Believe me, they are.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 10 ways for a better work / life balance STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Work / Life Balance DATE: 08/25/2012 05:43:38 AM ----- BODY:

1. Enjoy what you do. You are working for on average 40 hours a week, so it makes sense to enjoy what you do. However, if you don't like your job - look for another one. But while you are looking try treating your current job as THE best job you have ever had, you would be surprised at how much better you will feel as a result. And lets face it, it would certainly make the 8 hours a day you spend there go a lot quicker.

2. Use your commute time to further your personal and professional development. Audio books are great if you are in the car a lot. Of course if you use public transport all well and good as you can plug into whatever reading material you enjoy and spend time learning something new while all around you people are dozing their way through life.

3. Get exercise on your way too and from the office - if at all possible. I am too far from the office to cycle or walk for that matter - and the roads to and from home / work would make brands hatch look quiet, so I have to find alternative means of exercising - but if I could do this, I would as it makes the transition time between home and work and vice versa so much better.

4. Walk for half your lunch break. The lunch time walk helps put things into perspective - and you eat less food as a result. Make sure you don't take any money with you though, just so you are not tempted by the amazing smells you will come across.

5. Prepare lunches and snacks the night before. If you want to keep your waist line under control - know what you are eating. Those bought sandwiches may look good - but how thick is the butter they spread on the bread? Are they using low fat cheese - and don't even think about cooked anything - aren't you eating tonight? The added bonus of points 4 and 5 combined, means you don't fall prey to the mid afternoon slump.

6. Swap the full fat for the skinny alternatives. We may need the caffeine boost, but why would we want the extra calories that goes with it? I don't drink coffee after 12 noon and swapped the black tea for green and I find I sleep much better as a result.

7. Leave work at work - partners aren't usually interested in your latest whinge about so and so - so find some time to transition between work and home - not only will your family appreciate it, so will you - I can almost guarantee you will have a much better nights sleep as a result.

8. Leave home at home. Let's face it, we don't want to hear the ins and outs of other people's relationship problems ... so why should we bore them with ours. If people want to gossip - make a point of walking away. You can do it politely - sorry got to dash, have a report I need to finish - you'll have to tell me later. By then of course they will have forgotten, and you won't have had negative indignation thrown over you.

9. When you get home, shower and change our of your work gear. If nothing else, use this point as your transition time. Shed work issues along with the suits and ties.

10. If you Work From Home make sure you have designated down times. It may be a good way of keeping your costs down, but it can also be incredibly lonely if you don't have people around you to interact with. Set up a schedule where you can get away from your desk and get out for a walk a couple of times a day.

How do you ensure a good work / life balance?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Thanks, giving STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Law of Attraction CATEGORY: Gratitude DATE: 11/24/2012 07:59:09 AM ----- BODY:

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving down under, but maybe we should.

But I am going to go out on a limb here and ask, why do we need a single day to be thankful for what we have? Just like I am never quite sure we need one specific day a year to tell people we love them (valentine's day). Surely these 2 things should be so ingrained in our thoughts, behaviours, actions and words - we shouldn't need a specific day to remember to do these things, namely:

a) be thankful
b) tell people we love them

I have received many blog posts, emails and e-zines over this last week saying how the "author" was going to keep a gratitude journal for a certain number of days and entreating it's readers to do the same.

I keep a gratitude journal - period.

Why?

Well, I do it because it makes for great reading when I am not feeling particularly motivated, and yes sometimes when I am feeling a little down. But it makes me realise on a daily basis just how much I have to be grateful for.

Over the course of this week, yet another young person committed suicide here in Western Australia. She was 16, depressed and bullied. One of her best friends is the girlfriend of my son. I spent Wednesday evening with them, trying to help them understand why it sometimes happens, and why society can sometimes let them down when they need help - in this case, there simply are not enough beds (and professionals) available in WA to cope with the demand. So, as we talked the evening away I asked them what we can do to honour the memory and prove to themselves that there is something bigger than just ourselves to live for. My children are my first reason, my partner my second and you my dear people are my third and perhaps biggest reason. As you know I have first hand experience of the devastating impact suicide can have on a family. So in honour of both Emilie and my brother who's birthday it is on the 30th November (he would have been 47) I want to ask a very big favour:

1) I want you to be thankful - every day. You can use prayer, you can use a notebook - or however you would like to do it, but I would like you to add this practice to your daily activities if it's not part of them already.
2) I want you to tell the people you say you love, that you do - every day, who knows a hug and a kiss might be just what they needed today.
3) I want you to find a way to give something back - remember it's not thanks, taking .. it is thanks giving. So I would like you to focus on giving rather than chasing the next best thing especially with the black friday and cyber Monday sales looming large on the horizon. Now I am not one to ignore a genuine bargain, but before you spend your hard earned money on stuff you perhaps don't need. Consider what Thanksgiving actually is - a time to give thanks and to give back rather than to take. And I don't mean in just "stuff" - the gift of time, the gift of listening, the gift of being present when needed are more valuable than more "stuff"

With love and light and less consumerism - please

elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: One question I am asked on a regular basis - how do I motivate my teens to study STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Homework Motivation CATEGORY: Motivating Students to Study CATEGORY: Motivating Teenagers CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 11/26/2012 11:25:45 AM ----- BODY:

I am of the opinion one of the best ways to get your teens to study (and that includes my teens reading this) is to imagine doing a dead end job for the rest of your life... and more importantly - getting a job in one of those types of jobs while still at school ... it can be a real eye opener ...

Read more

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A side effect of positivity even in the face of storm damage STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/28/2012 12:27:58 PM ----- BODY:

I've had some incredibly good things happen to me this week, and I just wanted to share an amazing side effect I've noticed.

Before I do that though, I want to say I am not the only one it can happen to. You too can enjoy the same side effect as I've noticed several other people who shared some of my good "fortune" with, they too experienced the same side effect that I had.

So what was it?

In simple terms it was a

"face lift"

Before you click off in apparent disgust, this isn't a product endorsement for some miracle cream that you can purchase for 3 easy payments of. Nor is it a miracle herb or pill you swallow for even more money... In fact I can almost state that if you do what I did you probably wouldn't need the "miracle creams" or pills n potions anyway, it would come to you as it naturally came to me... intrigued?

So how did I get my instant face lift?

Well

I must have spent the last 3 days with a permanent smile on my face - the why isn't as important as the side effect. I feel great and I think I look even better as a result of the smile. And every time I remember why I had a smile on my face, I start smiling again.

Have you noticed what happens when you smile at people? They smile back at you. As they smile, they pass that smile on to others, it is a thing of beauty to know that a simple smile can transform not only our day but that of everyone we come into contact with. My gratitude journal now has several more pages of good things in it, and even losing part of my back garden fence, and spending an hour cleaning up in the cold wind and rain during a spring storm tonight cannot dampen my happiness and enthusiasm for life and every good thing in it.

The storm shall pass, and so everything will begin again

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: See you at the top STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/30/2012 12:27:04 PM ----- BODY:

"You can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." Zig Ziglar


I never got to meet or speak to Zig in person, but that doesn't mean I wasn't impacted by his message and the legacy he created.

We can all leave a legacy - the question is what kind of legacy are you going to leave behind?

RIP Mr Ziglar, and I guess now I am just going to have to meet you at the top.

Best

Elle

p.s. the next installment of the 100 day challenge will be with you tomorrow

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge - What's in it for me - Part 8: Attitudes maketh the man (and woman) STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/02/2012 04:20:16 AM ----- BODY:

Motivate Me! The100 Day Challenge - What's in it for me? - Part 8: Attitudes maketh the man (and woman)
==============================

We are 70 days down, which means there are just 30 days to go

The problem with the last 30 days of the year is what we call "OPE" otherwise known as other people's expectations.

How is your calendar and diary looking at the moment? How many parties, social gatherings and "do's" have you got lined up already? Yes I know it's only December 1st and yes things are likely to get a whole lot worse before they get better. You will be expected to turn up and eat your entire body weight in food while engaging in catch up conversation ... or you can apologise and cut down on the socialising with the simple explanation that you are already booked up for that day / time. it does not matter that the appointment is with you and your better future, but you do need to make a conscious decision ahead of time about how you are going to handle the inevitable questions about why you can't make it.

"Sorry I am on a deadline at the moment, and Elle will *kill* me if I don't ..."
"Who's Elle?"
"Oh she's the tyrant who is pushing me ..."

Or however else you would like to describe me, it's Ok I have a very thick skin :-)

Now this isn't a problem if you have played along during the last 70 days and managed to create the habit of working on your goals on a daily basis. Quick reminder, the challenge simply asks you to be the best you can be TODAY. That's it - just for today you are going to ... if you can cope with the today's of this life, then you won't have any regrets about what you didn't do yesterday, nor do you have to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow can take of itself if you have done as much as you can today.

But what do we mean by attitudes?

There was a sign doing the rounds of facebook a little while back it went along the lines of

"Dear optimist and pessimist - while you were arguing over the amount of water in the glass - I drank it... sincerely the opportunist."

If you know what you want and what you want to achieve, then opportunities are there for the taking. And holidays and days off "work" can be used to work on your goals.

Or let me put it this way. You will always get what you expect to receive. If you expect to have a bad day then you probably will. But if you expect to have a good day, then you will also be right. Even if things happen to you when you are in a good mood will these "problems" knock you off balance. But if the world is out to get you and all you seem to be faced with is more problems then nothing will change for you. Seriously, I know of one lady who lives in a land of paranoia and negativity. If she hasn't got a drama going on in her life, she will find one. You see, if she has a problem or a series of problems to face she cannot be expected to work on her goals now can she... she drives me insane. And I am sure you know people just like her. She's full of big ideas, but allows the detritus of "other people's expectations" to run and ruin her life. But we don't have to be like that if we can plan ahead.

Action Steps
=============

Before the party season begins in earnest I need you to ensure your daily tasks and goals are not going to suffer as a result.

I missed an exercise session on Friday morning because of a dinner I had agreed to some time ago. So I made up for it (and then some) today. 2 group training sessions (1 x weights, 1 x cardio), 2.2 kilometre power walk and a 2 hour fence re-digging in session after the winter storms flattened the back fence.

So - if you are going to indulge one day and can't fit your goals and task list into your day, work out how you can double the work within 1 or 2 days following the event.

Schedule appointments with your diary and calendar, and that of your family members. Block out the times you need to work on you and your better future and don't cancel the appointments.

And finally - if you are going out over the next 10 days before the next challenge is due - HAVE FUN. Enjoy every moment and get ready to double your activity after the event. Remember your life is made up of millions of tiny decisions. But you can make every single one of them count.

I'll speak to you soon

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2012 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you a "problem" repeater? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/03/2012 12:54:46 PM ----- BODY:

"The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them."
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), (attributed)


With that said, I have several questions I would like you to consider:

1) What are the benefits of having this particular problem?

2) What is this problem allowing you to avoid taking action on?

3) What is the problem protecting you from?

4) What new skills and resources will you need to solve this problem?

5) What will solving this problem help you discover about who you are on a deeper level?

6) What beliefs do you need to let go of or this problem to be resolved?

7) What beliefs would someone who'd already solved this problem need to have?

If you are a problem repeater (as in the problem or issue keeps recurring) these questions may be able to help you overcome them once and for all

With many thoughts and lots of scrumpled paper

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Finishing the year with a bang or a whimper STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/07/2012 08:28:51 AM ----- BODY:

I don't know about you, but I get to the start of December and I wonder

a) where on earth did the year go, followed by
b) did I do enough - did I meet my goals?

If I were a house painter I could measure my success by the number of walls / houses I'd painted throughout the year. Sure I could also look at the bottom line of my business, but success should be more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. So with my imaginary painting company (as I would with any company) I would go back and review all my feedback forms - what did my customers have to say about my year in business? Did I get any repeat work (always a good sign)? Did I get any referrals (an even better sign)? Did I have to expand or contract my business? Did my marketing work? Which bits of it? What work do I have lined up for the new year?

If I were a student I could of course tell by my grades. Did I pass or fail? Did I make new friends? Did I retain my old ones? Did I manage to study and work at the same time? Did I manage my home and finances well?

If I were a parent - did my children do well at school? Are they healthy, happy and enjoy spending time with me?

Are my relationships going well?

Am I fit, healthy? Did I give up whatever vice I said I was going to give up (or not)?

Did I meet my financial goals?

Did I meet my household financial (and related) goals?

How we define "success" is as individual as we are. I am, and know I always will be a personal work in progress. I have a tendency to yo-yo with my weight, so I am on a constant challenge to keep that under control (the perils of a sit down job) and still enjoy the exercise I do. But what of my "other" goals?

Well I have one final goal that won't be completed until after December 31st - and that is because it relates directly to the 100 day challenge. I will be finishing my first kindle book - and intend to get it launched in the first couple of weeks of the new year.

But there are some where I have failed miserably. I have failed to make adequate "down" time for myself. I am like the energizer bunny. I keep going and going and going, and then wonder why I run smack bang into walls of exhaustion and... and you get the picture. I am like that at the moment, ready for some down time. It has been a long haul of long weeks since our road trip around California back in March of this year. But what a goal achieved that was.

How about you? Did you meet your goals? Are you close to finishing the year with a bang? Or are you going to finish the year on a fizzle and a whimper vowing to get right back into it come January 1st?!

Remember, while it is a good idea to have a long term plan (in my case - getting rid of 20 kilos and finishing my book - an no they are not related) it is what I choose to do TODAY that will determine whether or not I reach those and many other goals or not.

With love and light

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Silencing your inner critic STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/10/2012 11:41:21 AM ----- BODY:

"We have been taught to believe that negative equals realistic and positive equals unrealistic"
Susan Jeffers


Every time I sit down and write out my want list, you know the list I am talking about, the one that if someone could wave a magic wand and you could have everything you ever dreamed possible on it - that list, my inner critic usually falls over laughing. By the time I have finished poking him with a stick trying to get him to take me and my list seriously, I've usually forgotten what I was doing. He wipes the tears from his eyes and shuffles back to his corner, and I stick the list back in the drawer.

I do have a more realistic goal list - well it is according to my critic, he simply peers over his half moon spectacles, reads the list, sniffs a few times and I know these things are do-able. But I have managed to fool him a few times recently, and he wasn't very happy about it.

This time last year my partner and I started planning our first big holiday away, and my first major trip without the kids. The plan was to head to California and a road trip. My inner critic was side swiped. My partner had lived in America and knew the area we were going to and had told me stories about the places he's been, the people he'd met and the sights we should see. To my inner critic the conversation was normal and wasn't disturbed by the ticket purchasing and hotel bookings we needed to make. When he finally realised what was going on - he didn't speak to me for weeks - it was such a blessed relief during that holiday let me tell you. Anything and everything was possible because he forgot to bring his passport and suitcase to the airport and we left him behind, stomping his feet.

Of course our critics aren't just the ones whispering in our ears day and night. We have family members who try and tell us to be "realistic" and "who do we think you are." I hear parents telling their youngsters "to be careful or you might hurt yourself" and long to explain that it is this kind of well meaning chatter that keeps us stuck doing the same things in the same way.

Why can't we have everything we ever dreamed of if we are willing to do the work?

2013 is fast approaching, and we are already in the planning phase of our next road trip - I can't wait. In fact when we booked the tickets there was just 100 days before our leaving date. So yes, my next batch of 100 day challenge goals are underway. We are counting down, and with a firm deadline we don't have a moment to lose. And while I am on the plane I am going to fish the want list out of my bag and start work on it. After all, my American trip was on that want list once upon a time, and if we can achieve that goal - and the dozens of others that came as part of that achievement process, well it makes me wonder what else we can achieve. 2013 is going to be quite exciting.

As for my critic can stay home and read his book.

How can you silence your critic?

Best

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge: What's in it for me: Part 9: Settling for a lifetime of personal bests STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/12/2012 12:39:59 PM ----- BODY:

Motivate Me! The100 Day Challenge - What's in it for me? - Part 9: Living a life of personal bests
==================


If I were to say to you most of us are not destined to be athletic superstars, world cup finalists and the person who kicks the final ball of the tournament to win the game. Nor are we destined to be the piano virtuoso or winner of the nobel prize for chemistry any time soon - does that annoy you? Does it annoy you that most of us are in fact destined for a life of the ordinary interspersed with amazing bits and pieces thrown in:

Does it annoy when I say that? If so - then good, it was meant to. But what do I mean by the term amazing?

Well, some of you may remember:

    The very first cry of your baby the moment it was born
    The day your children finished high school or they got the prize for best in year
    The day you got an A for an assignment you worked long and hard for
    The day you got the job you had always wanted
    The day you made the school squad
    The day you got that promotion
    The day you passed your driving test

And a million other moments just like these that to you were simply amazing - and that is good, no that is amazing.

Your First Action Step:
==================

Before we go any further, please take out your notebooks / workbooks and write down at least 50 things you are proud of. And please prove me wrong if you have made any of the above categories I mentioned at the beginning of this part of the challenge.

For instance:

    I am very proud of my 2 children, happy, healthy and well adjusted (despite separation, divorce and now their father living in anothe country)
    I am proud of you and all that you have done and will do
    I am proud of my work, my library degree, my queens guide award and silly things like overcoming my fear of heights to learn how to climb walls... now it's your turn - what are you proud of?

It's important so please don't miss this exercise.

My question to you as you fill in these items is why. If we can achieve all that, why can't we also be the next nobel prize winner for chemistry or the piano virtuoso?

I feel it comes down to how badly we want something - I am sure if you wanted to be the next nobel prize winner for chemistry you would have worked extremely hard and probably other things would have gone by the wayside as a result.

Are you willing to spend hours learning how to play the piano? Are you willing to put in the hours working out the formula's? Or the hours needed to become one of THE best players in the country who is picked to join the squad that will perhaps make it to the next world cup. Are you willing to train in the rain, go through the agony of defeat one week to run out onto the pitch and try again the next?

    Could you run a marathon with no training
    Paint your house in a single day
    Get the degree you have to earn rather than pay for in a few minutes online.
    Can you lose the weight you have put on over a couple of years in a couple of weeks and expect to keep it off?

Answer = NO YOU CAN'T

Most things that are worthwhile take time.

And some thngs take more time after you have achieved the first "goal".

Do you remember falling in love. You spent an age trying to get that perfect person to look at you, talk to you and finally ask you out. For most it's a heady whirlwind of lust, love and romance. How long was it before you stopped making as much effort? I know life, living, jobs, kids and bills get in the way, but you can make time if you want to. It's something I have had to re-learn and I am grateful to do so.

Or for the parents out there ... can you imagine having kids and then leaving them to look after themselves? Off you go, the formula is in the kitchen - just ... I mean, how riduiculous is that for most people. And yes I know there are some people who can't, but they do what is right for the children and offer them up for adoption, but you will I am sure understand what I am getting at. Sometimes we need to give things time to work. And when time doesn't work on it's own, then yes persistence, perseverence and patience needs to kick in to keep things going.

And that is what I am asking you to do.

We are down to the last 20 days of the year.

Where are you going to put your energy?

Because

Where you put your energy is where you will succeed.

Action Steps:|
================

Go back to the beginning of the challenge, you will find it here - http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/10/11/2012-100-day-challenge-program-whats-in-it-for-me.html (sections 1 and 2)

Are your day-to-day activities in alignment with your 100 day challenge goals?

I hope so. But if not, you still have time to do amazing things in the last 20 days of the year.

Remember, it's not how many times you start, it's how many times you give up and don't get going again that's the problem.

With love and light

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2012 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A little bit of magic at swan lake STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/15/2012 07:05:56 AM ----- BODY:

Every weekend my partner and I do a couple of circuits (each being 1.1km) after gym and breakfast of Hyde Park. It is a habit we have created and enjoy. No matter what the weather, the park is always alive, and because the 2 lakes are canopied by huge plane trees, it is never too hot and even in the cooler / wetter months it is still a joy to visit.

This year the park is playing host to a pair of swans, this year they have 5 cygnets. I always carry a camera with me, so this year we decided to document their journey from little balls of downy fluff into adult hood. It is amazing just how fast these little babies are growing up each week.

I have to say I can find no better motivation to get out and exercise after a week spent primarily indoors and in one's head, when I  know there is something so beautiful waiting for me.

Go take a look - http://www.motivateme.info/gallery/swan-lake/

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Remembering Victoria...sticking my neck out about the unspeakable horrors yesterday STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/16/2012 06:31:45 AM ----- BODY:

Like most people yesterday I woke to the news that 28 people had died in a shooting rampage in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. And like most people I would presume I had never heard of the place. Now that place alongside Columbine and Virginia Tech means the name will always be known as a place of both heroism and unspeakable horror.

I read this today from Morgan Freeman courtesy of a repost on Facebook

"You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.

It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single *victim* of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news."

I would like to acknowledge one of the heroes of the shooting yesterday - a young teacher by the name of Victoria. She hid her first graders in the cabinets and closets after hearing the gunfire. When the shooter came to her classroom, she told him that her students were in the gym. He then gunned her down and moved on.

In light of Morgan Freeman's final comment about turning off the news, there are also a couple of interesting posts courtesy of twitter I would like to share

Rupert Murdoch
Terrible news today. When will politicians find courage to ban automatic weapons? As in Oz after similar tragedy

Malcolm Turnball
@rupertmurdoch I suspect they will find the courage when Fox news enthusiastically campaigns for it

Let me leave you today with a couple of additional thoughts.

I am against individuals having guns. Call me selfish but being a "victim" of a shooting myself I feel I have the right to say so. I have a friend who worked at Virginia Tech at the time of the shooting. I had to wait agonising hours to learn whether he had survived or not. Thankfully he did. But I know what can happen to a family torn apart through gunshot wounds. My family have lived through endless agonising years because my brother shot and killed himself. But my brother was an adult and made his own decision. The people who's lives are taken by others may never get the same kind of closure we had as a family, and my thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of them.

With 9 days to go before Christmas I can just see the unopened presents sitting under the Christmas Trees and it breaks my heart.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's the end of the world as we know it STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/19/2012 07:58:25 AM ----- BODY:

With apologies to REM for borrowing their words ...

What would you do if in fact the Mayans were right and 21st December 2012 was the end of the world as we know it?

Would you live differently today and for the 2 days we have left until the 21st - or would you carry on as if you still had all the time in the world?

When you think about the recent disasters that claimed hundreds of lives. Not to mention the crashes on our highways, the crazy people who take the lives of others, the shark attacks, those who are lost at sea, or who die as a result of overdose and suicide ... do any of us know how long we have left?

Mayans or not, do this for you - treat every day with the respect it deserves and use it to live your life to the best of your ability

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge: What's in it for me - Part 10 - Cue the Reward STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/20/2012 10:07:57 AM ----- BODY:

What's in it for me Part 10 - Cue the Reward
=================================

"Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn’t going to get the job done."
Jim Rohn


Have you worked it out yet?

The reason we have been working our butts off for the last 90 days is what happens to us as a result of working our butts off.

When I have done something I am proud of, I feel damn good about myself. My self esteem soars and I crow about the achievements. As I am sure you all do - and so we should. I mean what would be the point of our successes if only we knew of them.

For those of you who follow me on facebook will know I am currently one of many people undertaking the 31 days of December squat-a-thon. It's a perfect example of how little things over time add up. By the end of the 31 days we will have completed 1,985 squats. Every day I have made myself accountable by boring the pants off those who do follow me by telling them the day and the assigned number completed. What I didn't say though having achieved the first day of completing 100 squats was the feeling of sheer joy and punched the air frightening the kitten in the process. Yesterday's second batch of 100 squats though were a little more "painful" but that didn't stop me from completing them.

What is my "reward" for completing such an odd challenge?

Well, there are several:

   -  It makes me do some form of exercise every day, regardless of how I am feeling. And once I've done it, it makes me feel good about myself and then I can get on and do other project work.
   - My legs are looking fantastic - they were toned before, now there is real muscle definition taking place. I was hoping to complete the same number of push ups as squats during the challenge, but managed to give myself "golfers elbow" from overuse - so I have postponed that challenge to the new year.
   - My navel is moving back into place... for those who have had children may know what I mean - but my navel (belly button) was lower than it should be due to excess skin and a bit too much blubber... I didn't expect this benefit, so it's nice to see it happening (apologies for those who feel this is FTMI)
   - My skirts fit better

So what happens when this challenge is over? Do I stop and go back to my normal behaviour - no, I fully intend to complete a set number each and every day - I'm thinking 50 is a good number to go for. It's my new habit and I love it.

I feel that once you have embarked on your personal journey, there can be no going back to how you were before. Well you could I suppose but how boring would that be. Not to mention what would be the real point of starting in the first place.

Think about it in this way -

What would you be like if having gone to university, completed all the assignments - but then failed to take the final exam or turned up to get your certificate of achievement?

or

You plan your business, everything is ready - but you don't open the doors. It's like creating a website but never hit the go live button, or you write your book but fail to send it to a publisher.

Once you have created a certain pattern of behaviour (the habit) it is part of who you are, and giving up would be like going cold turkey and giving up caffeine or other forms of drugs - you won't feel right. You would forever wonder "what if..."

I know that a lot of us start many things and do give up before we achieve what we said we wanted to achieve, but remember this is why we have the 100 day challenge it's just 1 day at a time...

Every success is part of the journey to our better selves as well as the first of our destinations. And every destination is simply a starting point for your next set of achievements.

What's in it for you?

Define your rewards and you'll know whether you have achieved success or not

Elle


---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2012 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A few suggestions to help you save STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/24/2012 07:17:56 AM ----- BODY:

We hope you have had a wonderful 2012 and we're sure 2013 is going to be even better.

I was sent a wonderful gi*t courtesy of a brilliant website called Simple Savings. Given that trying to find ways to save money is always high on everyone's New Years List I asked if I could share the gi*t with you - they said YES :-)

It is a calendar with a difference for Christmas. While the school dates and public holidays  are Australian / New Zealand, the ideas behind each month are very interesting.

The calendar is over 1Mb in size and you can download it from http://www.simplesavings.com.au/article/War-on-Debt/

We will be finalising the last off the 100 day challenge over the next couple of days but in the mean time we hope you have a wonderful festive season

Best wishes

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The beauty and power of NOW STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions DATE: 12/27/2012 05:14:16 AM ----- BODY:

One thing that has always intrigued me is what happens in the lead up to the 25th December in a lot of house holds around the world.

More is accomplished for that one day than at any other time of the year, with a few notable exceptions, such as major birthdays, holidays (and in particular travel deadlines) and occasional ones such as exam times.

If we can do all that in a very short space of time, why can't we translate that kind of energy and determination over everything else and every other goal we have ever written down?

The first thing that comes to mind is of course the date. It has a very firm deadline, and if we are meeting a lot of people this deadline may be preceded or extended by a day or two - but that's it. We know we are seeing great aunt Rose on the 25th and we know great aunt Rose likes a clean house and a glass of sherry as she sits and opens her gifts with the family.

Most of us don't have a great aunt Rose to keep us on the straight and narrow the rest of the year. And that is the second thing that comes to mind.

We need to have someone to hold us to our word, because most of the time, we don't hold ourselves accountable. If it's just something we may want to do at some point in the future - we don't have any sense of urgency, neither do we feel the need to hold ourselves accountable if we don't achieve that particular item. And because no-one else knows, well no-one is going to ask how it's going are they?!

There are of course, many other reasons why we set goals over and over and yet fail to make an impression on most of them. The biggest failing is just a few short days away

January 1st - the day we drag out the piece of paper our last lot of goals were written on, scribble the new year, mumble something about how THIS year things will be different, and then quietly go back to whatever it was we were doing before we got an attack of the guilts. The problem with New Year's Resolutions is we try and change too much at the same time. Our zone of comfort is blasted out of the water and we stand quivering like a rabbit in a set of headlights unsure of what to do or which way we should go.

So if New Year's Resolutions don't work - what does?

To my way of thinking - NOW is the only time we have ever got or will ever have, not next week, not next month or is there any reason we shouldn't wait til Monday.

NOW

There is a beauty and a power in the word NOW

What can I do NOW?
What's next, what's next, what's next?

How much more could we get done if we chose to use every single NOW in a much better way. How many deadlines would we destroy if we use every NOW, now? How many goals would we achieve if every step we needed to take was simply the next NOW we needed to use imaginatively and creatively.

Life should be exciting, life should be filled with many exquisite moments of NOW, of the feeling of a job well done and a sense of accomplishment. You can never live a life of regret if you live every moment in the best way you can.

And with that thought I shall continue interspersing my writing moments with the ongoing project that is my house, and in particular cleaning carpets, re-arranging furniture and de-cluttering my house.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me! The100 Day Challenge - What's in it for me? 2013 is the year of getting things done STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/31/2012 06:35:13 AM ----- BODY:

Today marks the end of the 100 day challenge for 2012. Congratulations to those of you who stuck with the program to the end. The entire program can be found at http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/10/11/2012-100-day-challenge-program-whats-in-it-for-me.html

But I have a confession to make, this is actually just the beginning, because:

2013 is the year of getting things done.

Sure you can sit back, relax and pop the champagne - and why not reward yourself for a job well done.

BUT - you can't rest for too long. Think about the weeds in your garden. The changes you made during the challenge was equivalent to pulling out the weeds of your life, making way for the beauty of the plants and flowers. But you know what, if you don't keep an eye on them, those weeds will be back bigger than ever before.

I would like you to find a nice container - I have a nice bright orange box sitting on my desk ready for the year ahead.

Every time you complete something, every time something good happens to you, I want you to find a piece of paper - write down some details and pop it into the container. Then at the end of the year you can tip out the papers and read just what it was you managed to achieve.

I have spent the time between Christmas and New Year spring cleaning. Yes I know it is officially summer. But I want to make a positive start to the year and that means clearing out the stuck and replace it with clean, fresh energy. And I've been helping my partner do the same to his place too. Those silly little jobs that needed doing - are being done. Every day, something is cleaned out, sorted through and my goodness doesn't it look and feel better.

For those of you have a copy of the challenge, it's time to re-set the date and begin again. But before you do that, go through the last 100 days - what were the high lights for you? What worked, what didn't, where could you try a bit harder?

Enjoy the end of the year, but lets start 2013 without the hangover so we can jump straight into 2013 and the year of getting things done

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Starting 2013 in a positive way STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/02/2013 12:30:55 PM ----- BODY:

Today's motivational message is a simple one, but vital if we are going to make a difference this year. It is only day 2 of 2013 but I want you to consider doing something quite radical, and that is:

Get rid of the negative. To my way of thinking the only way you can start 2013 in a positive way is by getting rid of the negative. So I would ask that you:

    - Watch your thoughts
    - Watch your speech
    - Watch your behaviors
    - Watch the people who you associate with
    - Watch the programs you watch or listen to
    - Watch what you are reading

In fact watch everything because negativity has this habit of sneaking up on you and whacking you on the back of the head. And for some reason you're not sure of, all of a sudden you feel "down"

As you know, we are bombarded with a million sensory inputs day after day, and if you are like most people, they tend towards the negative, or the he did / she did conversations we have or hear about all the time. The whining and carrying on of the soap operas and reality shows. The "bad news" sells of the news programs and papers. The gossip in the magazines and in the office.

There are some very simple but effective way of dealing with this kind of negativity.

1. Don't watch it, don't listen to it, don't read it. If it's important you will find out soon enough.
2. Filter those people who like to rant on the social media sites and rarely let them through your barriers.
3. If a person you associate with on a regular basis (and you still want to associate with) is being negative - ask them to stop, or better still ask them what was good about today.
4. Get out a piece of paper and a pencil, write down everything "bad" - then once it is out of your system - screw it up and throw it away. This one works a treat.
5. Get out a second piece of paper and write down all the good things that happened to you today. And if it is especially good add it to your positive container. Two days ago I finished the squat-a-thon I bored everyone rigid with. Well that piece of paper with every day ticked off and the number of squats done is the first thing in my box for the year. What good thing happened to you today?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I should have been running this today... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/26/2012 06:56:17 AM ----- BODY:

What?

The Perth city to surf that's what

see...

This is the 2nd time I have been thwarted. The first time I tore one of my right quad muscles and didn't have enough time to heal and get back to race fitness in time

This year, I booked my slot, organised for my race pack to be sent home, then a couple of months out I twisted my right ankle soooo badly I thought I had broken something - this rather stopped the training dead in its tracks funnily enough. I was in recovery mode, doing long distances in the pool and on the bike in the gym, then this week I went down with the latest rounds of colds and flu ...

Not my year it seems

I wasn't in it to win it - just to prove to myself that I could still run long distances. Albeit it has been a while, but I am up for a challenge... but I do know when to say - you know what - I don't think you'd make the first hill girly let alone the finish line - not this year at any rate.

But I would like to say a VERY big congratulations to those who did make the event. To the winners, and everyone who beat their personal bests whatever distance you entered for, the organisers, the volunteers and the supporters who turned out to cheer everyone on. I hope to be amongst you next year.

Lessons to be taken from this:

* For those who exercise regularly - a couple of weeks off training is not going to set you back too long ... I will start again slowly when my body has stopped running heated temperatures
* Sleep when you need to - it is the best way of helping the body to recover
* Drink lots of water - I do anyway, but I have upped the quantity to make up for what I am losing through body temperature
and
* Don't beat yourself up - this race has been on my bucket list for years. I completed it as a walk a couple of years ago, and I will run it - just not this year

Love and hugs

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What standards do you currently live by? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/07/2013 11:26:47 AM ----- BODY:

Q: What standards do you live by?

Q: What standards do you want to live by?

What do we mean by standards?

Standards are those things you don't ever compromise on. They are an intrinsic part of who you are.

Say for example your current standard means you are overweight because you are eating too much food. That food is high fat, high calorie and you insist on eating it every day of the week. You also insist on having a pint or two with your mates after work. Because of your current standard of expenditure you are struggling to save money. Your bank balance and your standard of saving is reflected by the numbers. In addition to the diet standard you live by, your current energy level is low. You rarely exercise and you get out of breath.

Or you may have a standard that says you go to the gym 4 times a week. You eat healthy foods 6 days out of 7 and on the 7th day eat whatever you like because your weight is constant. Your exercise levels match your food intake. You never have to buy new clothes because the ones you used to wear "shrunk", no you buy them because they make you feel good about yourself and another standard you have is how you dress.

Now you understand what we mean by standards I would like you to go back and answer the 2 questions listed above.

Go through every aspect of your day-to-day activities.

* Is your home and office neat? Or are there dishes piled on the sink and trash in the bins? Are your clothes folded away or thrown on the floor? Can you see your desk top or are you surrounded by piles of stuff you will get around to one day?
* Do you ensure you answer your correspondence and pay your bills on time?
* Are you honest in your dealings with other people / companies? Are you honest with yourself?
* What do you wear? Are your clothes always laundered and ironed or crumpled and in need of fumigation?
* How do you look - clothed / unclothed? Do your clothes look good on you or would you be better losing a few pounds so your expensive suits fit better?
* Are you fit and toned or running to fat?
* Do you get enough sleep? Take a good multi vitamin daily? Eat the correct amount of food for your height and weight?
* Do you have a job you enjoy or one you loathe?
* Do you treat your co-workers with respect or gossip about the ones you dislike behind their backs?

When you look at your life, you will soon realise that our standards impact on every aspect of our lives not just one or two.

I have had many people tell me they only slack off in one or two areas. Everything impacts on everything else and it is time to be honest.

Spend some time today and work out the answer to these questions:

What standards do you currently live by?

And

What standards do you want to live by?

With many thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When the going gets tough - throw half your client base away STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 01/09/2013 11:20:29 AM ----- BODY:

A few weeks ago a for lease sign appeared on the outside of the building that houses my gym. Needless to say I was a little concerned as I have been going to this particular gym for years because I loved their group and personal training sessions they did every day for every member. Sure it cost me a little more, I couldn't get as often as I would have liked because of the distance I had to travel, but the trainer was always there to push, correct and challenge my training which I liked. Which is why I kept going.

So I spoke to the owner. The lease was coming up for renewal, and like all building owners around Perth, Western Australia it seems they decided to jack their rent prices up. Don't worry he said, we are in negotiation and we're not going anywhere.

Last night I (and the rest of the people on their email list) received the notice that the gym was in fact closing. Negotiations on lease extensions had failed and that was it - they were moving their seat of operations to the other gym they had opened a year or so back. We could transfer they said, and we would get a reduced membership if we did. The problem for me is that it is another 10 kilometers in the wrong direction, so I will be looking for another gym closer to home.

As a business owner myself I find it a little difficult to conceive they couldn't have found another place to rent in the vicinity to cater for their very loyal customers. Given there are a lot of premises vacant at the moment, you would think someone would have been willing to have a tenant with a good and profitable business model providing them with income where there was none before. But maybe they didn't ask, or didn't ask the right questions.

There are a large number of bootcamp (outside) operators in the locale, the gym I go to had offered bootcamp on a regular basis - why not take part of their business outside? OK, a lot of people wouldn't transition (especially the free weights users) but the people who went to classes probably would have - but that isn't an option obviously.

Like I said, I am sure they weighed up their options, and hoped they would transition some of their client base. But to tell people less than 3 weeks out from closing, I am really not sure they are doing the right thing by their client base.Given there is another gym in the area, and having spoken to a couple of fellow trainees, I know who is going to get their business in the near future.

As you know, relationships in business are everything. There is a huge market for a gym and / or exercise options in this area due to the high number of large government departments and businesses - but - this gym operation has thrown their entire relationships (and therefore a significant proportion of their money) away and I am in awe of their shortsightedness. Yes I know the greed of the building owner is also to blame in this case, and given the number of premises owned and vacant by the same company you would think they would learn something.

So what am I going to do?

Well:

   - Wish the gym owners well - did that this morning, when I advised them in writing I won't be transitioning to their other gym,
   - It gives me a chance to have a good look at my current schedule. If I move to a gym closer to home (I like weight training, cardio I can do anywhere) can I get there more often?
   - It's likely to be cheaper thus helping out with the budget especially with fuel consumption.
   - What other training options are there? Variety is always a good thing. If you have been doing something in the same way for a long time, muscles get used to certain movement. This gives both my mind and my muscles something to think about.
   - Ask what you would do if you were faced with these kinds of decisions (check)

As a business owner:

   - How would you handle that kind of transition?
   - What would you have done differently?

As a business user what would you do if this happened to you?

Best

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Guest Article - Improving Concentration - Dr Ziggy Smith STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Books DATE: 01/14/2013 11:37:46 AM ----- BODY:

* Today's daily dose: Guest Article - Improving Concentration - Dr Ziggy Smith
* Book Release - Kindle edition of the 100 day challenge program now available
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 14th January 2013
---------------------------
For the first time I am posting a guest article. I hope you enjoy it.

Motivation can be a funny thing can’t it? One day you seem to be overflowing with it and the next day it seems to be a distant memory. Your general mood and physical wellbeing can have a direct impact on your motivation, how clearly you’re thinking and therefore how much you can achieve each day. Feeling good? More things tend to get done but feeling bad and well... you know what happens then! But there’s some simple things you can do that can significantly increase your ability to think clearly and to get those tasks ticked off your ‘to-do’ list. Let’s take a look at some easy, almost instant things that can help first.

Some Immediate Help

Vitamin B6 has been shown to have a positive impact on your ability to think clearly and to concentrate. In fact all the B group can also increase your vitality and energy levels and taking a good quality vitamin B sublingual complex will give you an almost instant energy boost. Taking a tablet normally means the body absorbs the ingredients through the gut wall but taking a tablet sublingually (under the tongue) means it goes immediately and directly into the blood stream giving virtually instant results. There’s a couple of provisos though here. (Yes, there always seems to be a “but” doesn’t there?!) It’s important to have a really good quality, activated vitamin tablet. The cheaper options usually contain the vitamins in an elemental format that simply won’t be as easily absorbed by the body and so you’re wasting your money. Secondly, for a sublingual effect, you must buy the sublingual tablets. Just putting ordinary vitamin B tablets under your tongue won’t cut the mustard!

Drinking enough water each day is important not just for hydration but also for concentration. When your body has insufficient water, the brain is one of the first organs to slow it’s functioning. As an extreme example of that, when someone is suffering from dehydration, they’ll often lose their memory, be unaware of their surroundings and be unable to answer questions properly. While normal everyday events don’t usually lead you to those extremes, you can still suffer “brain fog” from not having enough water. Drinking too much coffee and eating too much refined sugar in chocolate, cakes etc. can draw water out of your gut and make your body and brain dehydrated. To help keep your brain clear, you need to drink between 1.5 and 3 litres a day and even more if you’re in air-conditioning or in extremely hot temperatures.

Speaking of temperatures, keeping your environment somewhere close to 22 degrees can be very helpful in maintaining concentration levels. When the room becomes too warm, the body begins to slow down a little and of course your brain quickly follows suit!

Make sure you take a break from your tasks every hour or so. Stand up, move around, go outside in the fresh air, take a walk for a few moments. Taking a break and making your body move differently every so often helps your muscles to replenish themselves. It also stimulates circulation so that oxygen can be fed more vigorously to the brain and this change of pace and space and activity can be a refreshing mini holiday for the brain. A simple 5 minute walk in the fresh air can be a real pep up for the brain!

Lastly, one other thing you can do each day can make a massive difference to energy levels and to brain function. Instead of eating three big meals a day, try eating smaller snack size meals every 2-3 hours. Include some protein in each of these mini meals and that will really boost brain activity and general energy levels. Our stomachs are geared towards action every 2-3 hours and this cycle is optimal for weight loss or control and for food absorption. Adding small amounts of protein as well each time means you can reduce those annoying after lunch sugar cravings or the general hunger pangs which can make you eat foods that aren’t helpful to you. With this eating routine you also help to keep your blood sugar levels constant and this is super important because your brain uses massive amounts of glucose to function. When your blood sugar levels drop, your brain is the first organ to get glucose starved and this has a direct impact on your ability to think clearly and to concentrate.

Longer Term Support

Ginkgo biloba is a fantastic herb for increasing oxygenation to the brain to feed it and help it function. While research has been unable to determine exactly how it affects the brain, we do know that it increases peripheral venous activity and it’s thought that this impact on the blood system increases its ability to feed the brain. Research clearly proves that Ginkgo can improve memory, help you think more clearly and concentrate for longer and when taken long term and early enough, it can even reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. It does take several weeks to begin working though so if you take a good quality Ginkgo product from your naturopath or health food shop, be prepared to take it long term to aid the brain’s functionality.

There’s also a growing body of evidence that says a concentrated form of fish oil can have a wonderful effect on clearing brain fog. There’s different strengths and different formats of fish oil though and the ‘all purpose’ fish oils aren’t as clever at achieving this brain clearing action as the more specialised versions. This is largely because the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in specialised oils can be altered to give specific outcomes. Taking a top quality, specialised fish oil can have a positive and noticeable impact on brain function within a week and the added benefit is that it can also reduce arthritic and body muscle ache symptoms as well.

The Ginseng family are also important herbs in helping clear concentration and increase vitality and energy levels. They can act fairly quickly (within an hour) or be more subtle and deliver a longer term energy boost dependent on which Ginseng you take and what concentration it’s in. A couple of words of warning though. (It’s that dam “but” again!) Some Ginsengs are more potent than others. So for example Korean Ginseng will deliver a bigger punch than Siberian Ginseng but if you’re sensitive to herbs or if your body is a little under the weather, then while the possibility of the extra boost from Korean Ginseng can be appealing, it can also be too intense and can make you feel ‘wired’ so take care! Also, never take concentrated doses of any Ginseng after about 3pm. They can raise your energy levels such that you won’t be able to sleep later that night and that resultant tiredness the next morning will be a massive downside!

Finally, the old adage “you are what you eat” is really important. The quality and amount of food you put into your body will have a direct, immediate and long term, effect on your body and brain’s ability to function. Making sure you eat fresh fruit and veggies coupled with quality protein and good fibre will help keep your body in top-top condition so it can support your brain function.
If you need some nutritional or health advice to help coordinate a plan that improves your energy levels and increases your general health and wellness, your local naturopath can be a wealth of information, inspiration and motivation for you. With the right advice, the right foods and the right herbs you can really make a difference to your concentration levels, to your motivation and to your achievement rates.

Smiles and abundant health,
Ziggy

Ziggy Smith is the principal at the Natural Medicine and Health naturopath and massage clinic in Flagstaff Hill, South Australia.
Visit her website www.nmah.com.au and grab your free eBook.

And talking of books:

---------------------------
Book Release:
---------------------------
You may recall that one of my challenges in the last round of the 100 day challenge was to publish a book on the kindle platform.

Well I have done just that

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZF7QBQ

If you would like a copy of the last 100 day challenge, you can get it and take it with you :-)

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle DATE: 05/03/2013 01:17:20 AM Would love to exchange links ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Deadlines means you go from doubt to certainty. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/16/2013 10:48:49 AM ----- BODY:

In your pile of Christmas gifts this year - how many were books?

I ask, because mine contained precisely zero. I received several journals after Christmas, but on the day - none.

In our pursuit of change and growth, surely books, their e- quivalent, articles, news stories and a myriad of other means of communication are one of the ways that we achieve exactly that. As I said in a post I wrote for an information management blog the other day:

Muse - ings - Information Enterprises Australia

Books to me are like old friends to be met lots of times in many different places and guises. That's why I love libraries, especially old ones. Call me a romantic, call me stupid, but I think of how many people "my" books have made friends with over the years. How much joy, laughter and tears they have shared over endless cups of tea, jammy dodgers and glasses of wine.

Bookshops on the other hand, contain lots of books who don’t have any real friends yet. Nodding acquaintances certainly, but not yet treasured friends. They sit silently waiting for the day they can leap into someone’s hand like a puppy at a kennel after being chosen as THE one to take home. As you read that did you feel the book’s “tail” wagging just a little? Don’t worry you’ll soon be so engrossed you won’t remember what day it is. Puppies err I mean books are like that.

 

For the first time ever I am keeping a list of all the books (and part books) I've read. I know I read a lot of material over the course of a single week, let alone a year. What I don't know is how much and who has made the most impact on my life to date. And perhaps just as importantly which books in my collection I still need to read, absorb and ultimately share my learning.

When we begin a new habit, it is vital we know what our measures of progress are. For me, the number of books on my list will grow. As I read, the more I can write because the new information given to me will challenge my current level of thinking and in doing so, so my life will change.

Have you begun a new habit recently? What measures are you using to chart your progress?

It may be the number of days without a cigarette, or the amount of money you've saved because you aren't smoking. It may be the notches on your belt as you lose size because of the exercise you are doing, or like me the number of words on the page I have managed to write.

So - what have I read so far this year? You would think, but! we are only 16 days in, surely ...

Well you might be surprised to know that so far I have read:

  1. How to build self-esteem - WCCL
  2. Making Habits, Breaking Habits - Jeremy Dean - Chapter 1 - Birth of a habit
  3. Creating Affluence: The A-Z Guide to a richer life - Deepak Chopra
  4. Outrageous fortune: An action guide - Charles Burke - www.CharlesBurke.com
  5. Get S.M.A.R.T. with Goal Setting - Elle Bradshaw - Read and edited before loading onto Amazon's Kindle Publishing Website (www.motivateme.info
  6. The Power - Rhonda Byrne
  7. Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars) by Luke Romyn - This is book 2, I read Book 1 "Beyond Hades" in 2012 (Fiction)
  8. Leaders Hold the Vision: Notes on Living, Leading, and Legacy. An ebook by John David Mann

And I have a number of others on the go which will eventually be added to my list.

For me 2013 is the year of getting things done. That means increasing and improving both my work and concentration levels.

And deadlines are perhaps the most important measure of all.

If you knew you had to get something done by a certain date, you wouldn't sit around waiting - you would be in there getting your hands dirty.

And that is key. A deadline means you go from doubt to certainty.

My certainty says, I want to increase my productivity levels, I want to increase my knowledge, I want to reduce my size and numbers on the scale, I want to improve my health and fitness, I want to have at least $600 saved by 13th March 2013 - because that is the date we get on a plane and head back to the states to begin our second road trip. And oh my goodness it's going to be even better than the first one...

If 2013 is the year of getting things done, what have you achieved so far?

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are your habits tired and tested STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits DATE: 01/20/2013 05:37:16 AM ----- BODY:

Most of you will be back into your schedules post Christmas and New Year holidays by now.

* Did you start the year feeling like you had been here and done all that before? Or
* Did you start the year feeling refreshed, charged and ready to go?

Most people, if they are honest, started the year with a combined feeling of wanting to do things differently this year, but within a day or two had slipped into the groove of the tired and tested... Sorry, did I say tired? Actually it wasn't a typo.

Tired and certainly tested.

Otherwise known as Ground Hog Days if you have seen the movie

YAWN

Going back to a post suggestion from earlier - did you get a clean jar / container? Are you putting the things into it that you have achieved? The good things, the notes about what made you smile, what you did for other people? You may remember the big things at the end of the year, but what about the millions of little things that will make a difference to your year?

So far I have put in my box, the notification from Amazon concerning my 2 Kindle books, a photograph of a lovely elderly lady who I took out for the day on Monday, 2 small winning notifications from lottery, the change of details of my Internet provider (gosh was that a good idea or what), and notes on my daughters 21st birthday, a successful marketing campaign, a massive postal project we completed, and today a receipt from a donation to help set up a mobile library service for a small primary school in the US via Donorschoice.org and several other bits and pieces that meant a lot to me after I had completed them. I know I keep saying it is the year of getting things done, having achieved all that so far, would I remember all of that if I had to trust my memory at the end of the year? Of course not. So I write it down and it goes into my box.

Every day I try and make a difference to someone. Sometimes that person is me! I am quite selfish with my exercise time. Without that I don't function as well as I could. Similarly my time with my kids, my partner and people like Nan (albeit she is a friend's mum who is over on holiday) are very important.

Of course, around the exciting is the normal. But it doesn't have to be Ground Hog normal. It can still be different, it can still be exciting, it's how we think about it that's important. For instance, and something simple you can do - go a different way to work. I like to change it up several times a week. I spend a lot of time on the road, by changing my route it means I cannot get complacent and I also get to see new things. I like new things.

As you begin your new week, make a promise to yourself that you won't slip back into your tired and tested habits and routines. Find a way to change things up, do something different today for yourself and your loved ones. but whatever you do choose to do, please enjoy it.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Steve Chandler was right STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/21/2013 10:23:16 AM ----- BODY:

I've had so many movie length dreams just lately. I wake frustrated, wishing I could just download my brain because I could make a fortune sending the scripts to Hollywood...

I also didn't know why. Not why I didn't download my brain into the word processing program, but why I was having so many vivid, colourful, downright exciting, adventure packed dreams.

And then I got an e-mail from Steve Chandler (http://www.stevechandler.com/index.html) - he said

"When you walk, you activate the right brain because you cannot move your left leg without the right brain kicking in and activating. So the left, right, left, right of your walking actually guarantees that you're now in whole brain thinking while you're walking.

That's why so many great philosophers from Plato to Emerson to Brenda Ueland, walked and walked and walked.

And because it activates whole brain thinking, it allows the right brain to serve you and help you.  If we're seated and balled up with the  body clenched in the seated position all day in front of a computer screen, the left brain is processing all day but the right brain will just check out...What happens in the night after that is you have the wildest dreams in the world. Because the right brain is finally being allowed to express itself, but it's in dreams, not in waking hours. "

Oops,

But it might explain why some of my best work happened during and immediately after my last long holiday. Our last road trip around California and Nevada also allowed us to spend a lot of time walking, getting up close and personal with new cultures, cities and people.

Thank goodness we're going back. But in the meantime, perhaps it's time to get the walking shoes on and get moving.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Countdown to better productivity STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Time Management CATEGORY: Planning & Organization CATEGORY: Project Management CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: Cure procrastination DATE: 01/23/2013 11:31:32 AM ----- BODY:

* You want laser focus
* You want to get more done
* You don't want to waste time doing unimportant things

As you know I created a time log which you fill in as you go about your day. This tool allows you to analyse where you "might" be wasting your time.

How much time did you spend checking emails, talking with friends / colleagues, on the telephone to clients, shopping, studying, using social media, reading, watching television, eating, exercising, working, commuting etc etc (you can find it at http://www.motivateme.info/downloads-and-free-stuff). It is a great way of finding how to get more stuff done during the day, and you do that by (of course) eliminating those things that are not allowing you to get things done...

However, I was sent a link the other day which I thought I would share with you. I am a great believer in setting a firm timeline to get things completed. For example, if I am struggling to start a program of work, I put my computer sound on mute, turn away from my computer to the writing side of my desk, grab a pen and a piece of paper - you know, those analogue writing devices, and work for 5-10 minutes hopefully without distractions of phones or people buzzing in.

The first couple of minutes are usually the hardest, but I start where I am even if it's just a list of things I need to complete. Once my writing mind has been switched on, the rest of my planning phase goes smoothly. I can then turn back to the computer and complete the task.

If you are not a fan of the analogue you may like this countdown tool instead ...

http://e.ggtimer.com/

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Y.O.L.O STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Bucket List DATE: 01/26/2013 07:49:59 AM ----- BODY:

In the last couple of weeks I have been given a number of very good reasons why we don't have time to procrastinate EVER

A dear elderly friend I have known for over 16 years told me recently that she has bowel and lung cancer. She told the doctors she doesn't want invasive treatment at her time of life, nor does she want to know just how fast it is progressing - she wants to spend every moment she has left getting things done. She told me that during our recent excursion day. Whenever "nan" is over from England on holiday seeing family I like to take a couple of days off work to spend time with her. My own grandparents are no longer with us, so she has become mine and my children's surrogate nan. She is amazing, if I told her we were going skydiving tomorrow, she would say, well I'd better make sure I'm wearing trousers and have my clean undies on ... oh and can the tandem master be young and gorgeous :-) gotta love nan, amazing lady.

A girlfriend lost her husband recently, leaving behind his wife and 2 little sons

And then only last week during the recent blizzards in the UK, my partner lost a member of his family, and nearly lost a second...

You Only Live Once - so enjoy every single blinkin second of it

Elle

p.s. For those of you in Australia and about to head out to enjoy the festivities - Happy Straya Day :-) be safe

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Excellent role models at Swan Lake STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/28/2013 11:16:37 AM ----- BODY:

The babies are getting as big as mama these days

I can't wait for the weekend to come around. Over the last couple of months we have watched in delight as the little balls of downy fluff have grown into their adulthood plumage. As you know, we complete a couple of very fast circuits of Hyde Park after gym and breakfast on a Saturday morning. But we do stop and marvel at these gorgeous creatures.

I don't think it won't be long before the babies will be off to find their wings in their own pond in the world. And their proud parents can rest assured because they have shown them everything they need to know about being a swan.

We humans can learn a lot from our fellow inhabitants of this wonderful world of ours.

With lots of love and hugs

Elle

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Pay it forward STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/30/2013 11:42:35 AM ----- BODY:

"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want"
Zig Ziglar


Have you heard of the term "Paying it forward?"

Basically for those who don't know what the term means, it is this. If you pay it forward, you did or gave something to someone else without expecting anything in return, except the hope that the person you "paid it forward" to, then pays it forward to someone else. Why should we do it? Why not? Would you walk past a person who was injured? Would you kick a dying animal? Would you offer your phone to someone who had locked their keys in their car and needed to call someone to help get them out? That's what paying it forward means.

It was interesting as I  thinking about this email, and a new program I am writing, the movie "Paying it Forward" came on the TV. Starring Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment and Kevin Spacey. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde. If you haven't seen it, or read the book you can probably rent it for not very much or borrow from your local library :-)

But if you are on Facebook, there is also a facebook group I follow called Paying it Forward and the stories are truly remarkable.

People with little of their own giving others enough money to buy food. Paying for the next car in line their order at the drive through. People who pay for others groceries at the supermarket, and one yesterday - a family bought 20 Walmart gift vouchers of varying amounts and gave them to the people they thought needed them the most - all done in honour of the husband and father who wanted to do something for others rather than getting anything for Christmas himself. He died unexpectedly, so the family did it to honour his memory just before Christmas.

But it doesn't have to be big, it doesn't have to be money, but it is one of the philosophies I do live by.

I also call this "giving random acts of kindness and endless beauty"

So I pick up litter when I am out walking. I will walk next door's dog. I will mow their front lawn at the same time I am mowing mine. I will cook dinner for my partner when it is not expected (we usually go out), and scrub bathrooms and kitchens - because I can. There are literally hundreds and thousands of ways we can make a difference to other people's lives. Little ways, big ways, any way you like.

Why should we do it?

Well, when I "pay it forward" I feel so good. The recipient usually feels good (less so the weeds I've just mowed probably) and who knows, next time they see someone in need, they too may feel the urge to help out and pay it forward too.

So - a plea - today and every day, make it part of your character and philosophy - pay it forward and watch miracles happen

Blessings

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Depth of character STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/31/2013 12:11:17 PM ----- BODY:

That sounds like such a ridiculous title I am almost embarrassed to write it, but there is a very good reason for it. Let me explain.

Have you ever looked at a large body of water and wondered what lay beneath its surface? How deep? How many different varieties of life lurk where we can never see it? What else does it contain?

As I was walking tonight around East Perth in Western Australia, and in particular along the banks of the Swan River, that thought stopped me in my tracks and it was a good job no-one was directly behind me :-)

I don't normally walk the river, but certain things have happened over the last couple of weeks that allow me to do so. My "old" gym has had to close its doors after 8 years because of a doubled rate in rent which they refused to pay. They have shifted seat of operations to their other gym, and not a moment too soon as the co-owners became parents 3 weeks early on Tuesday. And I am also house sitting while my partner is back in the UK because of a family emergency. Basically it means I get to do different things for a week or so, and in this case a walk along the banks of the river Swan. And not a stroll I mean a power walk, cardio at its best, sun setting, temperatures in the mid 30's even at 7pm (it's going to be worse over the next couple of days apparently), but you get that, and I was not alone.

There are always lots of people exercising along the shores of the swan river and riverside drive in the city, and why not it's a beautiful place and for a city blessed with winds off the antarctic most days (called the Fremantle doctor) a joy. The next couple of days it's going to be hotter than Hades, but that's because the winds have shifted around and will be coming off the Nullabor, but I digress.

As I walking I was stuck by the beauty of what is the Swan River and many other bodies of water that I have experienced, and of course it got me thinking about the parallels to us "humans"

Most of us live in the shallows. Happy to paddle out so far, but not so far it means we get the hems of our trousers wet. We think we are being brave, we think we are breaking the boundaries of our comfort zones, but goodness don't ask me to go any deeper - ooooh no.

Then there are those who decide to skim the surface of life. They too think they are being brave by venturing out into the wilds - but always with an eye to the shore.Of course I am breaking out of my comfort zone honey, look where I am ...

But underneath us is a huge body of potential and untapped energy we daren't investigate.

My partner and I were walking around Claisebrook Cove one night. The water was still, yet we knew it played home to many different creatures including (on occasion) jelly fish and fish of all sizes and shapes if the bird population in the immediate area is anything to go by,. It was a beautiful night. And suddenly, right where we were standing there was a disturbance in the water and a dolphin surfaced to breathe. He looked at us and appeared to smile (as dolphins do) and sank beneath the waters again.

Until he broke the surface we didn't know he was there.

Just as we never know how deep our characters are until they are tested.

* How much more could you do?
* How far can you push yourself?
* How can we know how deep our strength of character is unless we test it

Don't be content to sit in the shallows of life waiting for something to nibble at your feet, get out there on a big fat boat, scuba gear on and dive in with both feet. Go on I double dare you.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 13 minutes to inspiration STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/01/2013 11:37:51 AM ----- BODY:

Actually I would be very surprised if it took you 13 minutes to realise just how much we could do if we just tried. And how awesome would it be if what we did, helped someone or lots of someone's meet their goals too... watch and be inspired.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Using my magpie tendencies to help others STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 02/04/2013 11:59:19 AM ----- BODY:

I have a confession to make. I am a magpie. I can spot a shiny coin from 10 paces and that's without my glasses.

I must have picked up hundreds of small coins over the years. I used to put them into a jar and when I had a decent amount I would give the jar to my 2 kids and they would go and spend whatever their share was on whatever they wanted. Money was tight in those days and they appreciated every single cent I could find :-)

I still pick up coins. But my kids now have their own money courtesy of the part-time jobs they have (they are both studying) so what to do with it. I used to just find the next charity collection point, but it never seemed like enough. And then I saw several stories and I knew what to do with it.

Most of you will remember the story of team Hoyt I shared with you the other day. Well I have another story to share with you. This story concerns two young brothers with a love of sport. Connor and Cayden Long became the young sportskids of the year in 2012. Cayden has Cerebral Palsy - but their story is remarkable. Just like Dick Hoyt, Connor tows his brother on triathlons because he loves it. You can see it here



Today I bought a savings container. You know the sort, you can put money in but you can't take it out unless you take a can opener to it. Well today I made the decision that whatever money I find from here on in will go into the container, then when it is full I will give it to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation here in Western Australia so they can help more families like Connor and Cayden.

Somethings are bigger than each of us and I feel very small compared to the inspiration shown by these people. And they are just the tip of the iceberg, these are the ones the media have found and focussed upon. Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear it.

Blessings to all

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Finish what you start in 30 minutes or less ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/06/2013 11:33:50 AM ----- BODY:

"I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday"
From the Heart of Spain - The Power of Positive Thinking
https://www.facebook.com/FromTheHeartOfSpainPositiveThinking

Are your goals stalling? I know it's only February and it can seem like we have all year to get through our goal list by year end, but in reality, did it work that well for you last year or the year before that?

Take your current goal list. Where are you making progress? Where are you not making progress?

I would hazard a guess the areas where you are making progress are those areas where you are a) excited b) spending time. And the items where little or no progress is happening? Either the goal isn't very inspiring (why is it even on your list?) or you are not spending time on the item, and usually both.

But what if I were to tell you, you can move mountains in just 30 minutes a day! Oh and by the way, you can move more with a bulldozer than you can with a shovel BTW. But - It may take a lot of days if you assign just 30 minutes to the project, but it will get done, even with a bulldozer. But 30 minutes repeated often enough and you will get the job done.

30 minutes, you can do anything for 30 minutes. Can't you?

So starting today, set aside 30 minutes each day for each of your project areas. For example:

Home: 30 minutes will allow you to clean and tidy one room or area at a time. If you have a lot of mess you may choose to break the task down even further. For example, the shower cubicle one day, the bathroom cupboards the next. But allocating 30 minute blocks will allow you to get to the end of your project faster than promising to devote an entire weekend to the job. How tedious would that be? It also doesn't work because you will almost, always find something else to occupy your time. What's that called again, oh yes - procrastination. Last night I spent 30 minutes and cleaned not one but two cars. Another 30 minutes allowed me to hang out 2 loads of washing and clean the kitchen and my bathroom. The floors still need doing, but I will assign that task to another day.

Project Assignments: I am a writer and I do like to block out time to work on my projects. Again I aim for 30 minutes, sometimes this overruns, especially if I am on roll. But on those days I am struggling to write, I will assign my 30 minutes and do something. While it may not be the best work I will do, at least I am moving forwards. How do you think these blog posts and e-zines get written? Yesterday I started work on a project that had been sitting on my to do pile for ever. But having completed 2 major writing assignments, this one was next. So I read the background material, and then got a clean sheet of paper and a pen and started jotting down ideas. After 30 minutes including an interruption I now have chapter headings and suggested content for each chapter. Today I will block those out on the computer and over the course of the next couple of weeks, a project that looked like it would never get finished - will. 30 minutes at a time.

Reading: I love to read, and I have been neglecting this area for some time. Now I make a point of setting aside 30 minutes to read every day. I don't have a reading goal per se, but in January 2013 I read 15 books. If I can keep that rate up, I will have read some 180 books by the end of the year. My business, my personal and professional development will benefit from this reading time allotment of just 30 minutes a day (if that is all the time I have).

Exercise: I walk for half my lunch break every day (30 minutes). I will also allocate 30 minutes once a week to a personal trainer, and when my gym was running, I would allocate 3-5 30 minute sessions each week. With the gym now closed I have added at least a 30 minute walk / body weight workout to each day until we come back from our holiday in April when I will organise another gym membership. Exercise is important to me, it clears my mind and works my body - essential when you consider that I spend a lot of time sitting down every day.

What areas do you currently compromise on that you know you shouldn't? For example:

Start by going through your home / home office / work areas and write down all the things you have started and not yet completed.

I've been doing exactly that. One area I had neglected was a pile of mending - so last Sunday I got out the sewing machine, and I allocated 30 minutes to mending holes and turning up hems. 30 minutes and the job was completed. Every time I had looked at it I thought "I'll get around to that one day" I didn't need a day, just 30 minutes as it turns out. Lesson learned. Other examples:

Diet / Weight Loss:

    Spend 30 minutes and plan your meals for the week
    30 minutes and you can complete your shopping when you know what you need to buy
    30 minutes (and probably less) you can cook healthy dinners for you and your family. And if you double cook the amount, you can freeze the leftovers :-)
    Instead of sitting down to watch your favourite TV program, run on the spot, or get on that dusty old stationary bike you've got stuck in a corner, get on it and peddle for the duration of the show. If you must watch TV do something useful. BTW I used to knit while watching TV. Now I live in Western Australia we don't need them (but then again neither do I watch my TV these days either).

Financial:

    Spend 30 minutes and write down your known expenditure
    Spend another 30 minutes and cross check your bank statements and fill in the gaps
    Take another block of time and work out where you can make savings
    Spend 30 minutes at the bank and open a savings account

Job Opportunities:

    You can review your CV / Resume and make the necessary changes in 30 minutes
    You can search the job sites and newspapers in 30 minutes
    You can write a letter of application in 30 minutes
    And the walk to the post box to post your application can take another 30 minutes, assuming you walk slowly :-)

Once you have determined the areas that need working on, break down the task into 30 minute blocks. as I did above.  If you can't find a block of 30 minutes, then break them down into 2 x 15 or 3 x 10 minute sessions - but that takes huge discipline and you may find that you slip with this method of time allocation. I personally find the 30 minute block rule to be just about the perfect time to achieve a significant portion of work.

Once you have set aside your 30 minutes for each of your main must not compromise on areas - then you can allocate the rest of your time.

Think about it, if you can do those things in just 30 minutes, what else can you achieve?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Where is your pride? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/11/2013 11:57:21 AM ----- BODY:

It's been stinking hot today, and I've been longing to go for a walk. Doing my usual kitchen clean up and bin run outside tonight, I could feel the rain in the air. So it was on with the runners and away we went.

I love walking, and I would walk more often, except I don't like walking around the suburb where I live.

First of all there was the traffic noise. As you know I like to walk and do the mental filing. There was no chance of that tonight.

Then there were groups of kids on bikes and scooters racing past, darting in and around cars playing chicken. I nearly had a heart attack, I felt sorry for the drivers who had to stop so they could avoid hitting them.

But what really got me was the litter. It's bin day tomorrow, so I picked up several plastic bottles as I walked past them and put them into someone's recycling bin. But I must tell you I had to admit defeat because there was just so much of it.

Broken and smashed glass bottles ground into the roadside verges, cigarette butts, paper and dog poop. Everywhere I looked there was dog poop. It's disgusting. I know it's not the animals fault, but I cannot understand why their owners would want to treat the place where they lived with such contempt.

Compare this week, with the last two. I was lucky enough to be house sitting while my partner was in the UK because of a family emergency. The difference.

Where everyone it seems exercises, there is little or no litter and people pick up after their animals. People of Huntingdale where is your pride?

* We could blame the council for not providing rubbish bins or people to sweep the roads on a more regular basis.
* We can accept that some people simply don't care.
* We might say - but I am just one person, what difference can I make?

You and I can make a world of difference - if we choose to

I choose to.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Paying it forward - Help Ashley walk STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/13/2013 10:55:57 AM ----- BODY:

I am a great believer in paying it forward. Helping others who can't necessarily help themselves.

This is the tin I keep in my desk for those little bits of money I find, people drop, or they give to me (thank you Mike and Martin). As you can see when it is full it is going to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation :-) But today I have a favour to ask.

I learned of Ashley Betts today, you have to love Facebook. Ashley has Cerebral Palsy and needs surgery. However ...

The Western Australian Health Care system won't pay for the treatment because the surgeon and his team are in Melbourne, and the Victorian Health Care system won't pay because she lives in Western Australia. Give me a break. Unfortunately they are still several thousand dollars short of funds needed for the operation that will allow her to walk and surgery is scheduled for the 25th February 2013. I don't know Ashley personally, but I have 2 healthy, kids and I know how hard it can be to bring them up if they are healthy, so I am always amazed at the motivation and resilience of parents who move mountains to help their kids do and be everything they can be. So I logged onto my bank account and transferred some money into her surgery account. And if you can do the same I would be grateful, and Ashley will get her surgery...

Ashley's story can be found here -

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/14514455/familys-plea-to-help-ashley-walk-again/

Her facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/HelpAshleyWalk/posts/330096340415609

Thanks in advance

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Mirror mirror on the wall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Change Management DATE: 02/16/2013 06:01:13 AM ----- BODY:

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
Carol Burnett


Whoever said "self help is a do it yourself project" was spot on. We can read all we want, we can make noises about making changes, but unless you take action you will never accomplish.

MOTIVATION is a contraction of Motive + Action


What are your motives for change?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: All work and no play? Then don’t get a job you enjoy doing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/17/2013 09:06:08 AM ----- BODY:


If you have time on your hands during your working day, and want to keep it that way - never, ever get a job you enjoy doing.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Continuous learning could be habit forming STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/18/2013 10:19:07 AM ----- BODY:

Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, the businessman and speaker, often said, ‘‘You will be the same person in five years that you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.’’

Those people who are serious about improving their lives never stop learning.

If you read 30 to 60 minutes daily, this will translate into completing one book per week, 52 books a year and over 500 books in 10 years. Imagine taking just one idea from each book you read and putting that idea into your daily lives. Now you will take more than one idea from each book I know, but if you just took one idea and made it a part of your life, by the end of the first month you will have made 4 changes. And because you are adding each new idea gradually, each new change will be small but sustainable. They will become a habit. Imagine creating 52 new habits in a year - how amazing would your life be if you could do that?

Tell me what you are reading?

I've just finished Brian Tracy's "No Excuses"

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Breaking bad habits STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/20/2013 12:17:48 PM ----- BODY:

In order to break a habit –

1) It is important to know and admit that you have them. Yes we all have them; some allow us get on and ride a bicycle without having to remember exactly what to do every time we fetch that funny looking 2 wheel thingummyjig out of the shed. Others, like always having a cigarette with a cup of coffee in the morning or last thing at night with a glass of beer may not be the best habit to have. Once you have determined what your habits are, then -

2) Ask yourself, are you willing to let the habit (whatever it is) remain in your life?

In determining which of your habits you want to keep, you are then free to determine how you are going to change your habits and behaviours to ensure you make conscious decisions about what you are doing. That usually means you have to change your normal routine to avoid certain thought processes which lead you to completing a habit. For instance, changing the way you go home so you can avoid the bar. Or leaving the house straight away rather than making a cup of coffee.

As with all things it takes repeated behaviour to achieve new and better habits, some say 21 days, some say longer. I just know that if you really want to remove a habit you must replace it with something that provides you with other kinds of rewards than the ones you are currently getting. Then over time you can replace a habit, hopefully with a much better one.

I know this works for me, does it work for you?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your mastermind group STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/23/2013 01:11:07 AM ----- BODY:

Just as athletes surround themselves with people who can perform at the highest level (not discounting the drug fuelled sporting stories we hear about), and those of you who are at school, college and uni have teachers to help and guide you through the many learning opportunities we have to face. So we as professionals should surround ourselves with people who can take us to the next level.

Who do you go to to help you raise your game?

Some suggestions:

1. Your colleagues - who is at the top of their game in your organisation? Have you asked them how you can improve? How do they dress? What do they do? Emulate them and soon you too will be at the top with them.
2. Meetings & professional development - if you go to the right meetings you will see who is at the top of your profession. The same questions apply.
3. The business greats across the world - we may never meet these people in person, but we can do so via social media. And we should and could read their work.

And of course I am always here to help you

Who do you go to to raise your game?

Best

Elle


---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It is time to choose STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/25/2013 10:58:02 AM ----- BODY:

Today you have a choice

You can do the same things you did yesterday, or you can choose to do something else. Something different. Something that will make a BIG difference to the way your life turns out.

Or not, the choice is yours.

And that’s the problem, we should choose. We need to choose, otherwise we will always be stuck in the middle – worrying about making a decision. Choosing takes away the anxiety. Ok, you may not always make the right decision – but at least you have the choice to change direction. Not choosing means you are forever sitting in the driver's seat – WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. You are not going to get very far without the engine running.

Whatever you have been debating over, make a choice. Right or wrong, good or bad, success or failure.

Best

Elle

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Shirley EMAIL: IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: DATE: 02/26/2013 01:17:59 AM YOU! Yes, YOU, sitting there looking at a screen reading this.....it is TIME! Choose! Do something SPECTACULAR! Do something small and kind. Whatever you choose, CHOOSE! And DO! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Want to be an expert - have you got a spare 10,000 hours? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/28/2013 11:11:27 AM ----- BODY:

Most of the research I have read says it takes about 10,000 hours.

That's two hours a day, every day, for almost 14 years.

Now you could practice a lot longer every day and shorten the time span, but think about it. Those 14 years will pass anyway - so why not spend a couple of hours every day doing something that will make you the best at whatever it is you have chosen to do. You can master anything, you can be anything, you can achieve amazing things ...

Violin virtuoso, designer, rally car driver, pilot, brain surgeon, rocket scientist ...

All we are limited by is our ability to stick to the task - oops

Which is why we developed the 100 day challenge. it works because it doesn't ask you to look forward 14 years, nor are we counting down the hours from 10,000 to zero - no, all we say is - be the best you can be today.

Which means, if you are the best you can be today, you are better than you were yesterday, but not as good as you will be tomorrow.

Learn

Practice

Get discouraged

Learn some more

Practice

Improve a little

Learn some more

Get knocked back

Pick yourself up and try again

Hey I can do this

Practice harder / better

Add more knowledge and skills

Repeat

Are you willing to put in the hours?

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: The 100 day challenge
---------------------------

If you struggle to maintain progress on your goals, the 100 day challenge will help you.
http://www.motivateme.info/challenge

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2013 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: We are what we dwell upon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/03/2013 01:26:13 PM ----- BODY:

I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become. - Oprah Winfrey

What are you dwelling on?

A friend of mine completed her first triathlon today - she couldn't swim 6 months ago, was injured and couldn't run a month ago ... today she came in 14th for her age group and mid way through the field of 150+ competitors, she's also a doctor of psychology and a mother to 2 gorgeous kids.

"success, like exercise that gives you washboard abs, is a habit. It's the daily practice of making small choices that add up in the end. It's about doing what you said you'd do even though nobody but you will notice and about knowing in your gut why that matters" Make your idea matter - Bernadette Jiwa

When you wake up tomorrow, what tiny steps are you going to take towards your dreams and goals?

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do not try your hardest STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/04/2013 10:46:04 AM ----- BODY:

"Do or do not there is no try"
Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

And isn't that the truth. Have you noticed that when you use the words "I'll try" you are actually giving yourself permission to fail.
 
"Well I tried my hardest!"
 
Did you, did you really? 

To use a very bad exercise analogy - it is very hard to think yourself thin. You still have to eat the correct kind of diet and exercise for some time to gain some long-term benefit. And if you stop ...

You can't wish that your assignments / books/ reports would just write themselves

Or get a million dollars in your bank account if you don't show up for work on a regular basis... make the calls, save the money

Do you remember the song lyric books - every chorus had the same words "ad lib til fade"

Well that is what we are doing here, trying is half-hearted.
 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't wait for the "OMG" moment before you begin to live your life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/06/2013 11:04:51 AM ----- BODY:

If you only had 24 hours left on this planet we call home - what would you do?

And if you think about it, that's exactly what it's like. Our lives, our futures can change in an instant

* Sitting in a doctor's waiting room waiting for the news
* Pressing the submit button for a job you have always wanted
* Picking up the telephone to hear that a loved one had died

We don't know what's going to happen.

My life and that of my family could have changed tonight in the blink of an eye had my reflexes and brakes failed. Thankfully despite the woman pulling out of a row of stationery traffic into the lane I was in, in front of me, when I was travelling at 70kmh, swerving to miss her, along with the truck in the left hand lane AND trying to avoid being smacked up the rear by another truck - it didn't...

But it makes me appreciate even more every second I have been given

Don't wait for the "OMG" moment

Start today

And don't stop

Best

Elle
---------------------------
No more magic at swan lake
---------------------------
The last time we saw the babies was on the 17th February, there were only 2 of them left ... momma, poppa and their 3 siblings had left

Good bye babies, good luck as you test your wings http://www.motivateme.info/gallery/swan-lake/

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I'm leaving on a jet plane STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/11/2013 11:45:19 AM ----- BODY:

In 2 days time I will be "leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again"

Actually I do - 3rd April to be precise.

But the time in between is reserved for something special.

This time last year my partner and I headed to LA and for my first foray into the United States. The 100 days in the lead up to that first trip was insane, it's amazing what a very firm deadline can do. That trip was amazing, and I crossed many things off the bucket list. And yes, my personal 100 day challenge to get as much done before we left (so we could actually have some down time) was immense, but very rewarding as the planning took shape, the shape changed shape and the books and programs were written. Well - on Wednesday we head back to the States and a different direction. But the list will be just as long:

death valley, monument valley, antelope canyon, sabena canyon, sedona, the getty museum. We travel through California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. We go to San Diego, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Page, Durango, Bisbee and Hollywood - amongst other places.

Anyone in the vicinity?

Posts may be a little limited, not that we won't have internet, because we've organised it. BUT - I do need some reboot time after an insane start to 2013. But that's what the 100 day challenge is for - to challenge your thinking, to challenge your actions, and to help you get the best from each day - which means you get results - and fast.

If you are not in the vicinity, I would urge you, however, to friend me on facebook and follow me on twitter, because something tells me the pictures are going to be AMAZING ... And if you head over there today you will see a few of the pics I've just taken of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition held at Cottesloe in Western Australia every year. Stunning, creative talent. It is always inspiring and it always seeks to remind me that I have not yet found time to create my own.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Venice Beach creativity means doing what you love STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/18/2013 03:40:59 AM ----- BODY:

I love Venice Beach, and rumour has it so does Google if the stories are true about them buying up buildings in the area for their "creatives" to be even more "creative".

During our walk through the wild, the wacky, the chilled and the oh my goodness - did you see that, we came across a wall, and on it were some very good suggestions

The first of which is "do what you love"

Very appropriate

Are you doing what you love to do?

Best

Elle

p.s. we are in San Diego tonight, having just returned from Old Town - and some amazing live music and even better Mexican ... cheers amigos

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: My road trip derr moment STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/21/2013 02:23:07 AM ----- BODY:
We were driving from San Diego to Tuscon, Arizona the other day, and it was a long day of driving I must admit - 6 hours plus stops to refresh, refuel and change drivers.
I had enjoyed old San Diego and I was really looking forward to Tuscon. But it was hundreds of miles away, and it was going to be a LOOOOONG day.
And then it dawned on me. It's OK you can smack me over the head with a piece of 2 x 4 if you like.
On a road trip, you really do have to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.
Because the journey is part of the goal.
If you don't enjoy your own journey's will you appreciate the end result?
I don't think so, and this particular road trip has been a nice reminder for me.
If I don't enjoy what I am doing on a daily basis, I am going to either have to change what I am doing - or learn to live with, and make the most of it.
How about you?
Best
Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You need time and space to indulge in your passions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/27/2013 07:40:18 PM ----- BODY:

As a writer I need space and time to write. Quiet time would also be good. Unfortunately on a road trip, it can be hard to find any of the above.

Why would I need quiet time, space and time when I should be out and about visiting the various sites, experiencing everything there is to experience?

Actually there is a very good reason – a writer needs to write. It is my passion, and if I go for too long without it – I get cranky. You could say I am addicted to the process of writing.

It is also important to understand that you cannot spend ALL your time on the “road” you have to stop occasionally and process what you have seen. Or to coin a cliche - stop and smell the roses. BUT...

I also know that if you spend all your time looking for the next high you will quickly become jaded. Every experience melds into one.

So – this is my quiet time. Except it is anything but quiet sitting in the corridor of a very busy hotel in the middle of Las Vegas. I did try and choose the business end of the hotel, but even here they have piped music blaring and people walking past – talking very loudly. But as I said earlier I need to write and this is the best I can do today.

If I need to do something badly enough I WILL find the time, space and head space to do it.

What are you passionate about?

What are you not willing to compromise on so you can spend time and energy indulging in your passion?

Find your passion, then you will find a way to indulge.

Best

Elle 

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: With all the planning in the world... the proverbial can still happen STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/04/2013 05:10:12 AM ----- BODY:
Do you worry about setbacks derailing your goals? You shouldn't - they are a part of life.

As you know, my partner and I have been on an amazing road trip through 5 states in the USA. California, Arizona, Utah, The Navajo Nation and Nevada. However, with all the will and planning in the world we still had problems.

First it was the road to Page being washed out, which meant rearranging 2 days. But we did get to spend an extra day in Sedona which was just amazing.

The second was my unplanned and unwanted migraine when we got to Vegas. Mind you with a day of driving from the serenity of the wild and open countryside to the wall to wall 24 /7 noise that is vegas, it was hardly surprising. Again a change of plans was needed.

And then there was the flight home.

First of all a guy who had gotten onto the plane, decided even with reassurance that he would be fine, decided not to fly, much to his fiance's distress. Unfortunately that meant finding his bag amongst the hundreds of bags and cases in the hold. The delay of almost an hour would have been OK, but a lady had taken ill during the flight and paramedics and customs were waiting (along with an ambulance). With such a short time to transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal and our last leg, we ended up missing the flight home.

What was good, however, the ground crew were waiting for the dozen or so of us and we were shuttled to a hotel, given credit to buy food - and we had plenty of time for a shower and a walk around a city we hadn't been too before. Another one marked off the bucket list :-) The city that is, not the shower.

So - we got home about 12 hours later than we should have. But we got there in the end.

And that is the same with any kind of goal setting AND achievement. You will have unwanted changes. You will MAKE changes. But if you are persistent - you WILL get there.

Don't worry about setbacks - they are a normal part of life. Worry about not moving forwards, sideways - even backwards if necessary. Just keep moving.
I will start loading some of the camera pics onto facebook in the not too distant future ... I hope you enjoy them.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Everything is habit STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits DATE: 04/06/2013 06:02:43 AM ----- BODY:

From the way we think to the results of our actions - they are based on habit

Yes, even when we are beginning to create new habits, they are always built on ones we already have.

Do you give up easily?
Do you say -
- it's too hard?
- it's all right for them!
- I'll start that when ...

Habits, every single one of them.

I had a habit of not pushing myself hard enough in my personal training and class gym sessions - until I got a new trainer who inspired me to try a couple of extra kilos or a couple of extra reps on each of the exercises he had planned. It's not the first 10 he would say, it's the 11th and 12th that make the difference... he was right, my strength and stamina increased. I missed him when he left to carry on his working around Australia holiday before returning to his Welsh Rugby background.

This morning my partner and I walked around the lakes at Hyde Park in Western Australia. Each lap is just over a kilometre. Normally we just do 2 very fast laps as it is straight after breakfast. When he said, do you have energy for a third, I said "yes" even though I wasn't sure if I had or not. I had, we did the 3rd, and if I were honest I could have done another couple of laps - note to self, take own car next time so I can continue.

Listen and take note of your thoughts
Listen to what you say and how you say it
Look at your behaviours
Look at your levels of success

They are all based on your current habits

And only you can change them.

With many thoughts (good of course)

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 45 suggestions to motivate you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/29/2012 11:26:01 AM ----- BODY:

1. Use coloured pens when you make notes - some people think better in colour
2. Always carry a notebook with you, and a pen (or two) of course
3. When you read something that inspires you, write it down - don't trust your memory
4. If you have a blog, save your ideas to draft, that way you can work them up when you have the time. But it also means you're not scratching around for ideas
5. Buy experiences for people instead of stuff - everyone in the western world seems to have enough "stuff" so why not get them something they may not have thought about themselves
6. Say thank you every time, for every gift you receive - including compliments
7. Take a cake into work one day - just because you can
8. Stop for morning tea occassionally and reconnect with your work colleagues
9. Cook dinner with your spouse / partner and / or kids and make time to talk. As a bonus I have found driving practice with my two kids to be the perfect time to chat. They were at first a little reticent about telling me stuff. But now the conversations are wide ranging and very interesting. I shall miss those times with my kids as they move onto their provisional and full licences.
10. Walk daily and use the time to do the mental filing
11. Take a good multi-vitamin daily. We may like to think our diets are always perfect. The truth is we could all probably do with a boost to the immune system.
12. Eat an extra piece of fruit today
13. Try a different meal each week. I do get into the habit of cooking the same kinds on meals just for convenience sake. I now aim to try one new recipe each week using the same kinds of ingredients as I normally use... for instance I've discovered, mashed cauliflower instead of potato on top of cottage pie when grilled lightly tastes just as good as the spud version, at a fraction of the calories. Similarly I've taken to making sweet potato, pumpkin and potato mash - a joy to the taste buds let me tell you.
14. Swap full fat milk for low fat or at least half and half when you buy coffee - save yourself a lot of calories.
15. Have an early night each week to catch up on your sleep debt
16. Make massage a part of your weekly regime
17. Overlay a bad habit with a better one. Instead of having a biscuit with your tea in the middle of the afternoon, make sure you actually need it - try a piece of fruit instead, or go for a walk around the office and have five minutes. Sometimes it is the chance encounters in the kitchen we need rather than the food. And if you don't believe me read Charles Duhigg's book on habits.
18. Wear your good underwear whenever you want to feel good... I know it sounds silly, but if you do need a boost for whatever reason I find getting dressed "up" including the under garments to play a big part in my overall feeling.
19. And talking about using things - Don't save the good stuff for a rainy day. Wear the clothes, the perfume and the jewellery. Use the crystal and the good china - life is not meant to be endured but enjoyed. Set the table and make meal times a joyous occassion - and it doesn't matter whether you are having boiled eggs or roast pheasant - we can a lot of joy from making the meal a treat.
20. Put lavendar satches into your linen cupboard. So when you change your bedding, the room smells fresh
21. Turn off the phone, the email and the computer at least once a week - and disconnect with the technology that seems to rule our lives. Pretend you are in a no-signal zone ... sorry out of reach until ... kick back and relax
22. Have a date night with your partner at least once a week. Do you remember how you were when you first started dating ...
23. Re-read a good book that gave you pleasure the first time
24, Have a facial, yes even the boys. Enjoy the feeling of being pampered
25. Clear the clutter. Get rid of 100 things you don't need / use / wear
26. Use non-food / alcoholic rewards for a job well done
27. Plan tomorrow the night before
28. Start your day with a walk
29. Ask yourself every day how this one can be the best one ever
30. When asked how you are, always reply with a positive statement - even if you do feel like rubbish. Saying you are will start to lift your mood.
32. If you are craving "sugar" try snacking on fresh / dried fruit / veggies. The natural sugars will satisfy you for longer, and fill you up - something chocolate etc doesn't do.
33. Write a limerick - the funnier the better - it's a great way of making yourself smile. I remember doing this with the kids - by the end of the 2nd line we were howling ...
34. Keep a day book of all your brilliant ideas (where do you think these came from?)
35. Keep a separate bucket list journal, and write everything in it including the teeny items. I have also started using Pinterest to keep pictures front of mind of places I would love to go to. The modern day vision board I suppose.
36. Keep a gratitude journal - find at least 5 things to be thankful for every day.
37. Write a thankyou note to someone every day
38. Read at least one chapter of a book each day, preferably one that will challenge your thinking.
39. Pay your bills on time
40. Clean out 1 thing every day
41. If you make a mistake own up to it. Deal with it and move on.
42. Enjoy at least 5 minutes every day of quiet time. I am aiming for 30 minutes where I sit quietly every day. No books, no phones, no distractions. Let the thoughts come and go - in amongst the noise, usually comes at least one good idea - write those down at the end of your session. Then find time to work them up
43. Take 5 deep breaths whenever you are feeling stressed. Breath in to the count of five, hold briefly then exhale to the count of 5 - repeat. It brings in much needed oxygen to your body.
44. Watch the sunset now and then
45. Be brave and get up and watch the sunrise - it is a truly magical sight

What suggestions do you have to motivate you when you are feeling in need of a boost?

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Lies that keep us stuck - I've had a bad day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/03/2012 12:19:18 PM ----- BODY:

I've been taking a good look at the language we use on a daily basis. These to me are "lies" we tell ourselves that keep us repeating the same behaviours day after day...

I personally think the words "I've had a bad day" are the perfect excuse to complain to anyone who will listen about how "bad" our day was. It's also a great way to indulge in the "my bad day was better than your bad day" as you trade comments with family and friends.

By the time you have wallowed in the pity pit you then feel justified (and assuming you haven't cracked the top already) for pouring yourself a generous slug of anaesthetic. Consequently you can't possibly get on with any projects you had lined up for yourself, the exercise you were going to do, the cleaning, the writing ... you might stumble into the lounge, turn on the television and watch other people complaining about their lives.

Come on:

What was so bad about today?
Compared to who?
Compared to what?
Did you lose your job?
Did you have an accident on the way to and from work / school / home?
Did someone die?

Or is today, just another day when you know you did not reach your potential?

To put that another way - were you bored?

The way I see this - the busier I am, the less bored I am. The more interesting the work, the less time I have to worry or get worked up about what anyone else is or isn't doing around me.

"Idle hands means long phone calls"

The "I've had a bad day" lie is just an excuse we tell ourselves most of the time to illicit pity and to give ourselves permission to feel good, rather than effective.

So before you indulge in the "I've had a bad day" syndrome - make sure you actually have. And if you are out for a pity party, for goodness sake, be honest about it...

by the way, after 4 days of double anti-biotics for a chest and ear infection, I am starting to feel pretty damn ordinary, but that is better than how I was feeling ... so

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do you suffer from sent on a course syndrome? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/05/2012 12:06:46 PM ----- BODY:

As a trainer I am constantly amazed by the people who do not want to be in the room with me.

Thankfully I never take it personally, because I know that when I speak to these delegates it is obvious they were "sent" on the course. They were told they had to be there, and be there they were - albeit in body if not in mind nor spirit.

These same people rarely if ever participate in discussions, make fewer notes than the other delegates and can't wait for breaks so they can check out what everyone is doing on Facebook while eating their way through their entire weekly calorie allowance in one day.

The sad thing about this is - if they had been just a little more open minded, they might have gained something from the experience. The term horses and water springs to mind about now.

Having just read that last sentence back, I am aware I have broken one of my own rules - to my mind, you are either open minded or not. Just like you can't be half pregnant - you either are, or you're not.

It fascinates me though, those people who don't want to learn something new and can't see the benefit of personal and professional development even when the course was paid for by someone else. would they have been more motivated if they'd had to pay for it themselves I wonder? I'll be honest, the only time I can honestly say I was not looking forward to a day's training was because the topic was Taxation. But I did learn a lot at the time even if I did think the topic rather dry before going.

Of course this syndrome does not just apply to training courses. Have you ever been told to do something, and you grumble and groan (if only to yourself) about how unfair it is to be "TOLD" to do so and so, after all "THEY" don't have to do it. Some simple examples can have hairs standing up on the back of your neck like a disgruntled kitty, especially when the tone of the voice used is also raised.

    Take out the trash
    Clean your room
    Do the dishes
    Do your homework
    Clean your office
    You'd better make your sales quota or you won't get any shifts next week

Imagine if I had written that in SHOUTY CAPITALS you would probably be grumbling as well.

Who do you think you are to tell me what to do...

Hands up,

    How many of you have worked in an organisation where you were "told" what to do and in SHOUTY CAPITALS?
    How long did you work for the organisation?
    Were you as effective as you could have been or were you ever so slightly disruptive when you got the chance (sorry but we can all be a little childish when given the right circumstances)?

I know of one rather large organisation here in Western Australia, where this was part of daily life. The manager was ex-army and she treated her staff like raw recruits - barking orders and not being very polite to those she deemed to have failed in their allotted tasks. People were too scared to say anything. She eventually qualified for long service leave and traveled for the entire year. Meanwhile, the organisation recruited someone to take over the role in her absence, and the difference in managerial style was obvious - the staff blossomed. Consequently when the incumbent came back from leave, and she tried to reign in the people who had started to enjoy going to work, these people became brave enough to say something and the person was let go (after due process of course). The manager is now looking to re-build her team again. It's a sad state of affairs when you know that if you do say something, your working life is going to be even more miserable than before, so it's little wonder no-one bothered to speak up.

But lets take it another step:

    What would your relationships be like if one or the other partner was constantly telling the other what they should be doing, and how.
    How much do you think your children would learn from a teacher / lecturer who had one way of teaching and that way was their way regardless of whether it was the right way?

Lets be honest. We would all blossom if our needs were taken into account wouldn't we?
And the people we interacted with on a daily basis would also blossom if we toned down our SHOUTY CAPITALS style of management, leadership and interactions wouldn't they? Assuming we had them of course.

If you are told to go on a course, or do something - before raising your hackles, ask - what if I can learn something from this?

Is it time to raise my game?

And for those doing the telling - is it time you lowered your voice and raised your reasoning?

With many thoughts as always

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do you want to buy a penguin? Friday fun STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/07/2012 11:48:25 AM ----- BODY:

A little bit of fun for a Friday evening

Do you remember telling stories as kids? Of course you do, we all did it. It's only in our sensible years we seem to have forgotten how to play... well this very short, but hilariously funny video is a reminder of how important our imagination is... the basic premise is simple

Kids were asked to write a script which was then acted out by adults -



Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Counting down to the end of the year - the 100 day challenge begins in 10 days. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/12/2012 11:32:03 AM ----- BODY:

Yes it IS that time again, we are 10 days away from the start of the 100 day count down to the end of the year.

Last year we had some phenomenal success stories, including

Andrew told us

In the hundred days I managed to:

1. Get rid off my overdraft - no mean feat after my divorce.
2. Reduced from a 34" waist to a 32" waist (first time in about 20 years!!)
3. Got four dates confirmed to deliver my training workshops and kick start my business (first one this Sunday).
4. Came to an agreement on the divorce - just waiting for the solicitors to sign it all through and get it stamped.
5. Sold my house - I should be signing early next week and moving a week on Friday - it's been on the market for 18 months.

and a nearly done one of:

Stop smoking. Managed to stop for two months but caved in under some of the stress of achieving some of the above - an excuse I know :), but not defeated and will revisit as soon as I move!

And then Cassie told me that she had achieved:

1. only once allowed myself to sleep in past 7:30.
2. applied for a job (at the same level) on a different department and got it, therefore getting me away from the troublesome colleague and back up to full time hours.
3. cycled a total distance of 109km
4. Joined Slimming World and lost 1 stone (most of which I put back on around Christmas and the 5 weeks I missed going to weigh-in and club because of work. I struggled to cope with full time hours and comfort ate a lot) but I have rejoined this year and addressed the comfort eating problem and work stress without lowering my hours and have lost 7lbs so far.
5. caught a bus and 5 trains to visit my mum in Wales! (This is a big thing for me as I rarely go anywhere without Peter and I get very stressed with public transport.) where I made a mountain of chutneys, jams, dressings and other preserves to sell.
6. planned some adventurous things for 2012. Hadrian's wall bike ride in May, wear dress to friends wedding in June! go to Paralympic Games in September and London before and after. Go on a Tall Ship Adventure date to be confirmed.
7. studied my household finances for 2011 and made a budget and plan for 2012.
8. Carried the County Standard at Remembrance Parade.

My change in attitude has been amazing. I really try to think about what I am saying and thinking to see if I am hurting myself. I have pushed myself to do things I never thought I would do. I have started to love myself again. I no longer get so overwhelmed by life or bury my head in the sand anywhere near as much as I did but, I sit here now, knowing that there is so much more I can achieve and happy that I know how I am going to do that. Tiny step by tiny step.

Andrew and Cassie haven't been the only success stories we have had of course:

We have had businesses started, books written, houses sold and round the world tickets bought. I have crossed a dozen things off my bucket list this year as a result of a decision to save the money so I could travel for the first time to California, during the last 100 day challenge we ran at the end of 2011. And hundreds of other people's personal challenges during the 100 days of each challenge.

Are you ready to step it up again and join with me once more in 2012?

The program is already written. I just need your commitment to your better life.

You can buy a copy of the workbooks and previous programmes and a slew of reports that can help you with your goal setting (and of course achievement) from http://www.motivateme.info/challenge
assuming you haven't got one already.

Or not, it is not a pre-requisite to taking part in the challenge.

But I know you can find other ways of keeping yourself accountable to the challenge I'm sure, and the main one is ME...

The first challenge email will be sent to you on the 22nd September, that is the 100th day to the end of the year, and comes as part of your normal subscription to the Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine. Whatever the day, whatever the time - the DDOMM goes on as normal - this is additional.

So - your first lot of homework (and you have 10 days to do it in) is to...

Work out just what it is you want to achieve during the last 100 days of this year.

Don't be contented to say, that's it for this year, I'll start again in January. Work with us and start now, and be well ahead of the also rans come January 1.

Can't wait

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't believe everything you read STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/15/2012 06:45:34 AM ----- BODY:

You've seen all the ads

* melt fat away with this wonder pill
* sleep your way to health and fitness
* learn a new language by listening for just 10 minutes a day
* visualise and you will receive
* receive a million dollars by following my easy "step-by-step" guide to gullibility for only 15 payments of ...  (sorry i made that last one up)

Actually I made all of them up

No!!

Yes, really I did.

Every time I read one of those ads I wonder how many other people have been sucked into believing anything worthwhile can be had for little or no effort, but you've got to have the right key, the right system - THEIR system.

Well, as you can tell by the tone of this email you can't get rich, slim, fit or anything else without just a LITTLE bit of effort. Unless you were born with incredible genes and / or rich parents who can give it to you. Sorry, it doesn't work like that.

You and I both know that living life to its fullest requires work, and sometimes a lot of hard work. But that's OK - I'm not saying hard work is bad, it's not, it's also good fun when you realise just how good it is to:

* scrub the house from top to bottom. It took all weekend, you're exhausted, but goodness it looks fantastic.
* Or how about the sweat of a perfect workout. We've crafted our bodies with the right nutritional mix and sweat created endorphins.
* It's taken 5 years, but we've just realised our dream and we're standing in the open doorway of our new business.

The 100 day challenge is YOUR plan to a better life.

I can give you all the suggestions, hints, tips and yes - motivation - but you have to do the work, or sub-contract it to someone who can help you do it.

You may not be able to get the motivation to go to the gym, but pay for a personal trainer and I can guarantee you will find it. Similarly, paying for calorie restricted meal plans means you will achieve your goals, IF you stick to the meals outlined. But no surprises, you only get what you are willing to put in. Pay for training and don't turn up? Only work at half capacity. Pay for meals and then cheat because you think you're hungry - and no you won't. Pay for business consulting advice then don't follow it or personal coaching and continue to do the same things as you've always done. No, now is the time to say, I am going to succeed. If I want to achieve, then I am going to have to put in the effort.

Have you done your homework from last time?
You can find it here -
http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2012/9/12/counting-down-to-the-end-of-the-year-the-100-day-challenge-b.html

Are you ready to push through the last 100 days of this year and achieve something remarkable?

We are counting down

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Finishing the year strongly, and starting the new one stronger than ever STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 09/17/2012 12:20:09 PM ----- BODY:

Last Thursday was the start of my personal new year. A chance to reflect on the one that had just finished, and of course a chance to decide just what I want my next 12 months to look like.

I don't use January 1st to set my personal new year's revolutions, but the day of my birth - it makes it far more personal that way. It is of course also VERY close to the last 100 days of the calendar year so I can combine the 2 successfully and really step up my game. As you know I am constantly looking for ways I can do just that, and now my health is back on track after a recent bout of flu, my training regime is about to become insane.

But - the first things I decided to put into place was how I was going to spend the first 2 hours of each working day. I am definitely a morning person and get more done if I have 1 other simple thing in place and I've worked out the WHAT I need to focus on when I get to my desk - the night before.

Sounds simple doesn't it. But not when you work with a gaggle of other people all vying for each other's attention. So what to do?

Simple, I am not going to open the internet, social media aggregators or internet email until such time as I have dealt with at least the first 3 things off my must do lists.

So far, so fantastic it makes me wonder why I didn't put that one into place ages ago.

Try it, it might work well for you.

1) Write your must do tomorrow list (I tend to use email and send myself a message) as I am finishing my work day, so I can switch off from my working day and focus on others things such as personal training, spending time talking to the kids, dinners and of course speaking to you, before I start getting ready for tomorrow. Then:

2) When you get to work, open up your list and begin. It's amazing just what you can achieve when everyone else is faffing around talking about nothing in particular while checking the daily deals websites and social media sites.

Speak soon, and let me know how you get on with the suggestion

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The next 100 days will pass regardless of what you do STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: End procrastination DATE: 09/19/2012 12:39:45 PM ----- BODY:

That's the interesting thing about time. We are all given the same amount of time each day.

24 hours

Those 24 hours will disappear just as quickly as they arrived.

But the important thing about time is that it doesn't demand that we do anything with it.

It doesn't tell you - hey, wake up it's 7am, time to go for a run. Nor does it prod you at 9am to have some food (good or otherwise).

It doesn't say - errm, didn't you say yesterday that today you were going to ...

That's the trouble with time, it simply counts down the seconds to the end of YOUR time - and it doesn't tell you when that will be. It could be today (heaven forbid), tomorrow, or 50 years from now. And that is the problem - we think we have all the time in the world to do what we say we are going to do.

In 103 days time, that's December 31st you will be doing the same things as you've always done - unless

You make some changes.

    Do you want to grow your business? By how much?
    Do you want to lose weight? By how much?
    How fit do you want to be?
    What size do you want to be?
    What grade average do you want to have achieved on your end of year score?
    Where do you want to be on the sales ladder chart?
    Do you want your entire house re-decorated? How are you going to do that?
    How many books / chapters of books do you want to have written by the year end?
    How much debt are you going to be rid of?
    How many times are you going to eat dinner with your family rather than stay at work until the kids have gone to bed and your dinner is shriveling up in the oven?
    How many new things would you like to accomplish

Unless you are willing to make some small but vital changes to your daily routine. The habits you currently have will overwrite any form of willpower you may think will help you.

Willpower can only help you if you actually know what you want.

    You've written it down
    You've scheduled blocks of time into your calendar and
    You are completing those tasks

If you have a plan, then you are less likely to be swayed by the blockers and time wasters, you aren't interested in the bar of chocolate, not if you are going to have to walk another 3 miles to walk off the calories you thought you needed. So you need a plan.

Plan:

A Reminder - a task is just something small that helps you to reach your ultimate goals.

    Task - walk 10,000 steps today
    Goal - walk the equivalent of Lands End to John O Groats
    Ultimate Goal - Complete the walk in person in ... (enter year)

The beauty of goals you do get added benefits. For example, with the above example, the additional benefits may be - better energy, less stress, clothes fit better, a desire to eat less processed food and who knows you may also complete the second goal on your list and that may be to lose 10 kilos by year end.

As you complete each walk (listening to those audio books / courses you bought but didn't get around to listening to) you begin to wonder about that holiday you had planned - the one that will take you to base camp Everest (or wherever you had hoped to go to one day). As you walk, listen, you begin to plan. How can I save a thousand dollars? Hmm $10 a day. If I don't have that coffee and muffin on the way to work.

Little achievements every day = MASSIVE results in the 100 days.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to be in the same situation as I am in now by the end of the year. I don't. My life is really good, but I know it can be a whole lot better.

You were meant to be more.

How much more is up to you.

The challenge starts on the 22nd September - are you going to be ready to end the year in style

http://www.motivateme.info/challenge

Or are you going out with a whimper?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you ready? What's in it for Me? The 100 Day Challenge Program 2012 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/21/2012 11:41:26 AM ----- BODY:

What’s in it for Me? The 100 Day Challenge Program 2012


Introduction to the Program:


“Visualization, or "imagineering" as Walt Disney called it, is mentally picturing yourself the way you want to be. You've heard the old saying "I'll believe it when I see it"? Well, the reverse is also true: "I'll see it when I believe it!" Affirmations and visualizations may not feel true at first. They may not even be true! But they can become so.” Tony Allesandro

If you are having trouble getting motivated on your projects, and some days it can feel like nothing we say or do for ourselves will snap us out of whatever "downward" spiral we are in, you need to take a step backwards and consider doing something for someone else instead.

Ah, easier said than done, Elle. And surely that is the direct opposite of what the title of this post says. If I can't be bothered to do my own stuff how on earth am I going to be bothered to do something for someone else?

Well, unless you are self employed, a student, or retired, then chances are going to be good that you are going to be working for someone else. Consider that if you put your own emotions to one side for one minute and consider that you are being paid to do a job, and if you do a "good" job you will help a lot of people, then you will begin to see what I mean. Imagine that you are being paid for the amount of effort you are putting in (consider some factory workers are paid by the item they produce) how much would you have earned today?

While this is a paper exercise at the moment, if you double your productivity and therefore your output, you have the potential of doubling your income....yes?

Are you still with me on this one?

Well sooner or later the people with the money (HR, the bosses) will see that you have gone over and above your duties and when there are payrises and bonuses to be had, guess who's going to be on the receiving end? Yep, those people who did the most, those people who made the most effort and contributed most to the company as a whole.

Now, consider that you are in the business of "you, inc." as in, everything that you do, say and achieve is part of the business of "you" surely it would make good sense to think of the time you invest in yourself, your education, your skills, your abilities to be the foundation stones for your future growth and income. And if that is the case, then what are you doing just sitting there?

The 100 day challenge for the last 100 days of 2012 looks at : What’s in it for “you” if you complete this program. Remember the next 100 days will pass regardless of whether or not you make any changes to the way you live, love, study and work.

But first:

Action Steps:

In your workbooks and if you haven’t already done this (the last homework I set), list the items you want to achieve within the next 100 days.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consider how you are going to break down these goals into daily actions – we have to be ready for tomorrow. What can you do starting tomorrow to work on your goal items?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where are you going to schedule these things into your calendar?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What are you going to have to give up / do in order to make these things happen? And yes, if your calendar is pretty full, then you are going to have to make some changes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you willing to give these things up in order to make these things happen? Yes / No

Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure these things happen? Yes / No

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like a word version of this email. Please go to our download section and save a copy to your computer. As the course progresses it will become a complete program you can use over and over again to ensure you are keeping true to your dreams and goals.

Would you like a copy of the workbook?

Watch out for tomorrow’s email, because we begin our program with the biggest lie we tell ourselves and what we can do to overcome it.

Speak soon

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day Challenge: What's in it for me? Part 1: No excuses STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/22/2012 08:44:33 AM ----- BODY:

Part 1: No excuses

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
Jim Rohn

We are bombarded every day with news stories from across the globe about how bad things are, and how much worse things are going to get before they get any better. I'm sure we've all heard those stories.

•    Jobs are being axed
•    Countries are broke
•    The United States is trillions of dollars in debt (how many zero’s is that anyway?)
•    Suicide bombers, deaths of servicemen by people who are supposed to be on the same side
•    Parties that get out of control, fueled by alcohol and underage stupidity

We could go on of course, but what I would like to concentrate on is just one thing. And that is taking control of what we can.

Ourselves!

But I don’t mean in a selfish kind of way. Let me explain.

How many of you have done something wrong and then tried to blame someone else for the outcome?
It’s like kids blaming each other when parents ask who made the mess.

It wasn’t me – it was him … pointing fingers
And you can hear the whine of the response
But Mum, she’s lying, it was …

You see, people think that by blaming someone else, it abdicates all of their responsibility.
It’s not MY fault I don’t have any money, if only the damn banks / government / landlords weren’t so greedy.

Well they might want a share of what you receive – especially if you have a bank loan, and need to pay taxes and rent for housing. But you should also have a budget and if that is the case, you really should take into account what they need, take that away from what you were given / earned / received and what you have left is what you have to spend on everything else.

Makes sense when it stated in those terms don’t you think.

But these aren’t the only lies we tell ourselves. We tell ourselves we need a stiff drink or two after the day we’ve had, after all WE have earned it! And while I am at it, I might need a bar or two of chocolate and some take away because I am just too exhausted to cook tonight. Pass me the remote dear there is a movie I want to watch.

How many times have you told yourself or just as importantly someone else you would do something and then for whatever reason you didn’t do it?

Are you going to be honest enough to admit that you didn’t do something or are you going to blame some kind of outside source for your failure to act?

I spoke yesterday about the biggest lie we tell ourselves.

That is (IMO)

“It wasn’t my fault” closely followed by “I don’t have time” and my daughter’s favourite “I’ll do it later”.

I was having a conversation with a friend and colleague yesterday about time and how I manage to do what I do.

Well the answer is simple -

I do what I want to do, once I have done what I have to do.

•    I have to go to work to earn a living. That dictates some time constraints. But around those, there are some things I choose to do. For example:
•    I like to walk for half my lunch break every day
•    I prefer to record television programs I want to watch, so I don’t have to stop what I am doing at night and then sit through a gazillion loud ads for things I don’t want or need. Or I buy them and when I do want a night off, I have things that I want to watch rather than the TV stations telling me what I should be watching. (BTW I HATE with a passion reality TV – and that is all that seems to be on at the moment – I’d sooner watch paint dry).
•    I have set times within my week where I train (gym / run / personal training / swim etc), just as I tend to shop once a week after training on Saturday and on my way home.
The rest gets fitted in around it. I read during commutes when I can, while eating lunch if no-one else is around and when my messages to you are being sent.
•    Have you worked out the gaps in your timetable for what you say you want to achieve between now and the end of the program?
•    What are you willing to give up, starting today to make way for your better future?

More importantly:

•    Are you willing to take responsibility for where you currently are?
•    Are you willing to accept that you don’t have to stay where you are? As Jim Rohn says quite eloquently – you are not a tree!
•    Are your finances in the red or the black?
•    What strategies have you put into place to change the red to the black, if that is the case?
•    Are you speaking to the right people (especially during times like these, there are a lot of scam artists and snake oil sales persons out there promising ways to get rich for 3 easy payments of...) don't get taken in by these people. They are not interested in anything other than your money - and no - a single e-book will not make you rich in your sleep or overnight...nor can fat just melt away as I have told you a million times.
•    What books / articles are you reading?
•    What courses have you been on recently?
•    How do you spend your evenings and weekends?
•    Do you do enough exercise for the food you consume?
•    Do you eat properly? No, I don't mean - do you use the right utensils - but do you eat properly - as in - what mix of carbohydrate / fat and protein is your diet made up of...and no, beer, pretzels and chocolate does not a balanced diet make - even if you do have one in each hand.
•    What is your family life like?
•    Do your friends and acquaintances inspire you or drag you down?
•    What does your home / office environment look like?

Every one of those items in the "ME Inc" list can be translated into every facet of our life, especially business terms - if your budget is more outgoing than incoming, you need to a) stop spending money b) find ways to bring more income in...and that includes checking to see what is on your grocery bill / enertainment’s budget / nights out on the town vs. early nights to make sure you are fit and healthy.

We can all be guilty of over indulgence, and businesses and organisations are no different to individuals. So, make sure your business of "ME Inc" is healthy and apply those lessons to your study / workplace and see if you can't make a difference to the way your own life turns out.

Action Steps:

What does “commitment” mean to you? Are you willing to put the plans, strategies and work into place so you can achieve your goals? Only you can decide. Only you can do the necessary work.
What do you want to achieve during the next 100 days? I could tell you to be realistic; I could tell you not to take too much on. But the whole point of the 100 day challenge is to push your boundaries.  Let’s face it; you’ve probably been realistic all your life. Now is the time to create your new life, and you can’t do that if you do the same things you have always done.  

For the next 10 days I would like you to take absolute responsibility for where you currently are

AND

What you are doing (or not doing – more to the point)

If you have not done yesterday’s action steps I would like you to complete those, because they are the foundation stones to your success.

“All things are possible until they are proved impossible – even the impossible may only be so as of now”
Pearl S Buck, 1892 – 1972 (American Writer and Missionary)

 

Would like a copy of this as a word document?

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What is the "plane" you need to catch? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Procrastination DATE: 09/24/2012 10:30:59 AM ----- BODY:

“The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is to live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof”
Barbara Kingsolver (American Novelist)


Today I would like to talk to you about planning. Yes sorry, but believe me it is important otherwise we wouldn't waste time on talking about it.

You see it is no good saying yes I am willing to make some changes, when you don’t currently know how you spend your time. Your first task is to download a copy of our Time Log. It is available from http://www.motivateme.info/downloads-and-free-stuff - there are a lot of other really cool things there as well, but today I would like you to download the timelog. This may look like a simple spread sheet, but it is the best tool for better productivity as you will see if you decide to use it properly. Yes it allows you to track your day, but you need to do it honestly and you need (ideally) to complete the Time Log for about a week before you will see the proper patterns form. One of the biggest questions I am asked is “how do I find the time to do all this new STUFF, when what I am currently doing is taking up all my time”.

There are several things to note here:

You will always find time to do what you want to do.

And

If you have something that you must do or you fail, you would be unstoppable.  It’s like having a plane to catch. Would you allow people to waste your time when you had to get to the airport? No, of course you wouldn’t. You might make time to talk to the person at a later date / time, but not NOW. Now you have a plane to catch – excuse me, I must get going. The reality of our days is that we simply don’t put proper deadlines on our time and the work we are supposed to be doing. We don’t have a plane to catch, so we waste time by saying yes to other people’s interruptions and requests. We “procrastinate” for want of a better word. But the truth is, we are just wasting time because of a lack of deadlines.  

What is the “plane” you need to catch to ensure you reach your goal?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Why is the first week of any new program the hardest? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Personal development CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Motivation to improve diet and health CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 09/26/2012 11:25:21 AM ----- BODY:

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we learnt something from yesterday”
John Wayne, 1907-1979 (American Screen Actor)


It takes time to make changes – give time, time.

Especially the first week of any new program. I am in the starting phase of cutting out all the refined carbohydrates from my diet. The "WHITE" stuff. The bread (even if it's wholemeal, grained or whatever), most rice, all pasta and as much sugar as I can eliminate from the diet. It's hard re-learning how to read the "nutrition" labels. So I made a second conscious decision - to eat as cleanly as I can... as in, eat mostly fresh foods and little or no processed stuff. to be fair, I thought I did that anyway, but this is just a way of keeping my diet clean as I get back to what I call my "fighting" weight. You know that weight you should be if you go into the ring...

Just to give you an idea, I don't eat cake, biscuits, sweets, desserts, sugar version of soda or cordial anyway, this is just making sure the hidden sugars are gone too. Read the labels you would be surprised. But I have a confession to make, I got rid of most of that stuff years ago. It doesn't bother me. I can eat it, but I don't crave it, and if I do eat it one day because of a birthday or some other reason it is gone the next day, very rarely do I let overly processed foods into my daily diet. I work too hard in the gym for that AND more to the point, I no longer need it.

I am also putting other steps into place this week, but I will let you in on those challenges as we go through the 100 day challenge program.

Today’s Action Step:

Have you realised just how much you have taken on? Does it scare you? Does it frighten you just a little? If you answered no to the last 2 questions, I will ask you to take another good look at your 100 day challenge goals. If your goals don’t excite you, if they don’t frighten you just a little, then your goals may not be big enough to make the radical changes we spoke of earlier in the program. If your goal is to lose weight, but you are still struggling to get started on the new eating plan – you need to give yourself a reason to do it. Book yourself a photo shoot, make sure you pay for it up front and make sure you can’t get your money back if you fail to turn up. Now – how much more committed are you going to be to your diet? How about exercise?

And if you doubt me - take a look at a photo shoot my children and I did just 4 weeks ago ...



If you need an exercise boost, why not book onto a competition? And yes the same rules apply. Would you turn up on race day without training? Of course not, so book your slot and get training. Give yourself additional reasons to do so – why not do it to raise money for your favourite charity. You wouldn’t let them down would you? I did book onto the recent Perth City to Surf, the week after that I twisted my ankle so badly I thought I had broken a dozen bones in my foot... I had time and didn't run for 4 weeks, and had just re-started training and I went down with the flu ... I didn't race funnily enough. But I didn't go down without a fight. And I am going to book into the Fremantle Port run in November (the info came in today), by which time I will have re-gained my fitness levels. What can I say, I am nothing if not determined.

Can you imagine telling friends and family that you are going to have your book written by the end of the 100 days and it isn’t. Or what about the shop you said you were going to be opening. The day arrives and you don’t show up because you didn’t do the work – but everyone else does, expecting to help you celebrate…

Or you said you were going to make a dozen sales phone calls every workin day of the competition and you don't, or you were going to study an hour every day on the piano, or go to the gym every day...

If you are falling behind, you need to find a bigger reason for doing the work and you will do it.

What do you need to do to ensure you reach your goals? What reason do you have?

With love and light and LOTS of reasons

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 93% better STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 09/29/2012 06:26:05 AM ----- BODY:

94% if you count today.

The overriding principle of Motivate Me and the 100 Day Challenge is

How can I be better than I was yesterday.

If you made a 1% improvement across your life today and for the next 93 days, by the end of the challenge you will be 94% better off than you were before starting the challenge. Or if you apply that same principle to an entire year, you will be 365% better by the end of a year.

While long term goals are important to have, NOW is all the time we have. Now, this minute - that's it.

The question is, what are you doing with your NOW?

Few of us can honestly say we give anywhere near 100% all of the time. In fact it is probably impossible to give 100% to everything all of the time. That being said, few of us work anywhere near our own personal capacity. Fewer still are willing to push the boundaries so far they can't remember what their comfort zone actually feels like.

All I ask, is that you do better today than you did yesterday,

Day after day, you make a conscious decision to improve each area of your life, and slowly, as if brick by brick you replace the old you and way of living and doing things, with the person you were destined to become.

By the end of the 100 day challenge, people will be wanting to know your secret to success. And you will be able to say with honesty. I took it one day at a time.

How are you going to improve your NOW?

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Little and often STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits DATE: 10/03/2012 12:20:26 PM ----- BODY:

If you could do over the last few days, what would you do differently?

Every day we can decide to be better than we were yesterday. And in most cases that would not be hard.

If you are keeping your Time Log, you may still see gaps of non-productive time – it happens when we are still trying to adjust to being a little more selfish, working out how we can spend more time on our goals and projects, rather than everyone elses goals and projects.

Take a good look at your time log and ask - how can you use those “times” to further your goals and projects? Remember it doesn't have to be huge blocks of time to keep your dreams and goals moving forward. Little and often is often the best, especially in the beginning.

Take my exercise regime for example. I work with trainers for 30 minutes 4-6 times a week. I am not after overnight success, but I am after a reduction in body fat of about 15% between now and the end of the challenge, and I do that by working in small incremental steps each and every day. Today I worked out at both 6am and 6pm. Group training in the morning to wake me up and personal training once a week to really push me - hard. Add to that all the incidental exercise and walking and sooner rather than later, I will have reached that first health goal.

Take a good look at the things that are currently working for you – why are they working? How can you translate those successes to the areas that perhaps are not working as well as you had hoped?

Then, take a very deep breath and push hard.

With many thoughts

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The impossible is possible STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action DATE: 10/08/2012 12:10:20 PM ----- BODY:

"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. Then they are not barriers anymore."
Lasse Viren

Before Roger Bannister ran under the 4 minute mark for the mile, most people thought it could not be done. It was thought our physiology just could not stand up to the pressure of that speed over that distance. But he proved it could be done. And - Since those days of course, hundreds of people have run a sub 4 minute mile. WHY?

Many olympic and world records were broken during London 2012, and these records will no doubt be broken again and again as sports men and women push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of - WHY?

The truth is we don't know what we (our minds and bodies) are capable of, until such time as someone, somewhere proves the impossible is possible.

So - why not take a good look at today and what you have achieved so far - and ask - what would happen if I doubled my effort?

* How much further could you go?
* How much more could you achieve?
* How much more could you earn?
* How much more could you be - if you doubled your effort?

And the answer isn't double believe it or not, it is phenomenal. Not that phenomenal is a number, but the effect on you is.

Don't settle for second best today - today go for double.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Our formal education has about the same shelf life as a block of cheese STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/15/2012 11:27:25 AM ----- BODY:

"Progress is like a wheelbarrow. If you don't keep pushing it, it stops" W.G.P.

As you know I am a great believer in personal and professional development. When you consider that our formal education has about the same shelf life as a block of cheese, you begin to realise that sooner or later it is going to go off in a big way.

Consider:

A lot of the jobs we are doing today were not even thought about ten years ago, let alone in our grandparents generation. IT and engineering (to name but 2) are moving faster than a quantum leap. And you can almost guarantee that students in their first year of uni, will find that by years 3 or 4, the things they learned in year 1 are no longer valid.

What about businesses? Yes, they too need to be thinking strategically 3-5 years ahead. First of all, they need to be looking for the next generation of people who can take their businesses beyond where they are today. With that in mind - are you thinking and planning 3-5 years ahead in your study / career?

But let's take it back to one of the basics for just a moment:

Exercise is not something that can be bottled and saved for a rainy day. You have to keep pushing yourself if you want to improve. If you continue to do what you have always done, you will go backwards.

Our muscles (just like our minds) get bored. They know what to expect, in what order, and they know when you are going to give up ... usually just before the end of their (and your) comfort zone. That's about the time you feel the burn BTW. That burn signals lactic acid, and you need to feel that in order for your muscles to grow. I've changed my personal training day - so I now have Monday evening's free. So, instead of putting my feet up, I got home, changed and hit the pavement. As you know I couldn't compete in the Perth City to Surf because of a sprained ankle followed by the flu. Well a week ago I signed up for the Freo Ports Run to be held in a couple of weeks. I decided to be realistic and opted for the 4km run not the 10km as I knew I would not get my fitness levels back that quickly. Turns out it was a good decision because my daughter kindly gave me her cold :-( But tonight I decided to test my cardio capacity. And I have to hold my hand in the air and say "it's rubbish" - but I shall perservere. But remind me not to get a badly sprained ankle, flu, chest and ear infection and now a cold consecutively in future ...

Whatever you had planned to do this week, double your effort. Smash through the barriers of your comfort zone - and chuck away that mouldy cheese that's sitting somewhere in your mind.

With love, light and lots of wheezing

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 99 ways to make your life easier STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/19/2012 12:04:53 PM ----- BODY:

Some of these ideas are downright weird, but ...

http://siriuslymeg.tumblr.com/post/33738057928/99-life-hacks-to-make-your-life-easier

there are a lot of useful recycling tips thrown in for good measure :-)

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 Day Challenge: Part 4: Focus STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/22/2012 07:13:52 AM ----- BODY:

Part 4: Focus

You are almost one third of your way into your 100 day challenge.

Are you one-third of the way towards reaching your goals?

Or has life gotten in the way? Don’t worry, it happens. But don’t worry the only way you can fail the challenge is if you give up completely. The odd day off isn’t going to hurt anything much in the long run.

We are after over-life success after all.

Remember the key to this challenge and every other goal setting program is how well you can focus your actions and behaviours day after day for a considerable period of time or until such time as those new behaviours become habitual.

And we all know how hard that can be.

Remember those promises you made to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. You manage the first couple of days, but because the behaviour hasn’t yet become a habit, the first sign of rain and you’re not going to go for your walk. Try telling that to your pooch – it’s raining; we’re not going for a walk today. To the pooch, it’s – but it’s time for my walk – COOOOME ON, get your A into gear and find my lead. But it’s raining... SO?!

Or

Have you ever been on a calorie controlled diet? Remember the agony of counting every single calorie day after day. I know I do. It's painful in the beginning - but it works, so long as you work the program. When you stop counting the calories, when you begin to take shortcuts, when you guess rather than know for certain - then the slide begins. Why does that happen?

In simple terms we lose focus.

So what is the key to retaining our focus?

Well the reason the 100 day challenge works - is because all I ask you to do is maintain your focus for one day - TODAY. That's it. You can do anything for just one day surely!

Every day, and little by little, your new behaviours become part of your daily actions. You no longer need a reminder – it’s a habit and you would feel something was wrong if you didn’t do it.

As I write this, I can attest to how hard it can be to retain focus on a single task. My task today is to write. I normally write at home, but I know that if I were at home then the lure of housework and kittens needing attention would pull my focus away from my writing project. So I have come to the library. I chose a spot at the back (ironically called the reference and study area), thinking I would be out of the way. Unfortunately for me it also happens to be right next to the movie and music section, and behind me is the door into the staff area. Through the wall to my right is obviously their coffee machine. The noise in here is horrendous.

Where was I - oh yes, focusing on the task at hand.

By now you should have created your dream list.

And more importantly you should have started working on at least one of the items.

I make it sound oh so simple don't I. Well it can be as simple or as complicated as you make it.

Think of it like a road trip. You know your destination, and you can reach that destination by going directly there - eyes never wavering from the road ahead. Or you can take as many detours as you like, because sooner or later you will get there anyway. And let’s face it, while driving from a-b can be sensible if you NEED to get somewhere in a hurry, but most of the time we don’t need to get there quickly, we just need to get there. And really, what is the point of getting there quickly if you don't enjoy the journey. Your journey is what you do day after day. You can't say, I will enjoy the goal / destination when I get there if you have hated every single moment of every single day.

I will enjoy seeing my million dollars in the bank, but today and every day until I get there I am going to be miserable because I have made my decision not to spend any of it. 

No the importance of any goal is not the end result believe it or not. For me the importance of any goal is knowing I will be forever changed as a result of achieving it.

Imagine that your goal is to represent your country at the next Olympics. You have your goal, you have your time line. Do you stay in bed today because you think, well I’ve got another 4 years before the next Olympics. Do you have a day off your training and your diet because you can’t be bothered? Do you simply go through the motions, putting in half the effort because you don’t want to be there, but guilt got you to the training facility.

Not everyone is going to be an Olympic athlete of course, but I can tell you from talking to one of my personal trainers who is in training for the next Commonwealth games in 2014. If you want to succeed then you have to turn up, ready and prepared to work hard otherwise someone else is going to take your spot.

Action Steps:

  1. Review the last 30 days. Did you work as hard as you could, or did you allow other things to get in the way of your dreams and goals?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

  1. Plan the next 10 days. Where do you need better focus? What changes can you make to your schedules to allow you to work better and get more done? The way I achieved my goal for today was by moving locations. Yes I stopped writing, packed up my things and left the noise of that library. Drove to the neighbouring suburb and had coffee, ruled out that venue as suitable for writing, and went into a second library. Apart from the odd noisy child who didn’t want to go home, this place is a haven for people needing to work and study, and yes there are a lot of people here doing just that. Guess which library I shall be using in future.

Where do you need better focus in your schedules?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

  1. Write down your reasons for working on your dreams and goals. What reasons do you have? Are they strong enough to keep you focused on your dreams and goals?

My reasons are:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

  1. What successes have you had so far in your 30 day journey. Please note, these successes may be small, it doesn’t matter what size they are, but you do need to acknowledge them. They are important. Remember you need to enjoy your journey, and you do that by celebrating the successes you have had.

I have achieved:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Download a copy of Part 4

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge: Part 6: Coping with the overactive gene STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/10/2012 10:13:44 AM ----- BODY:

With just 50 days left to the end of the year I wanted to check in with you.

* How much are you doing each day?
* More seriously - what does your calendar look like? And if you say, well it's a bit of paper with months, days and numbers on it, I will come round and "smack" you... k Mark?
* Are you burnt out, worn out, tired and irritable by the end of the week?
* Are you getting enough sleep or are you tossing, turning, worrying about what you've done or what you have not done?
* How many social engagements do you schedule in each week?
* How many nights are you working?
* How much do you do on the weekends?
* How much "spare" time do you have?
* What does your to-do list look like?

Let me put it this way -

"The real purpose of a to-do list isn't to see how much you can get through in any one day, but to see what shouldn't be on it at all."

If you are struggling to find time to work on your challenge tasks, you may need to have a good look to see what you are filling your day with already.

Now please bear in mind this is not procrastination per se, nor is it structured procrastination (where you put off the most important item on your to-do list, with something further down the hierarchy) rather you don't have a lot of time because of your current commitments.

But before you say "see, I told you it wasn't MY fault" I'd like to clarify something first.

I have said many times that you will always find time to do those things that you want to do. But most of the time, something else needs to give way first.

Action Steps:
=============

1. Take a good look at you current calendar (in whatever form it may be in) where are your gaps (if any)?

2. Have you filled in the time log recently?  http://www.motivateme.info/downloads-and-free-stuff you should it can be an eye-opener how you spend your time.

3. Have you worked out your daily time equation? No? Well it is quite simple.

Get a piece of paper and some coloured pens / pencils... heck a plain graphite one will do... but you do need to play along.

Mark the sheet into 24 squares - each square representing an hour of your day. Now colour in the time you spend asleep, time getting ready, going to work, at work, eating lunch, socialising, watching tv, exercising, spending time with family / partner etc  - how many squares are left?

Most people have usually run out of squares before the day is done (usually, using family time or cutting back on sleep to get extra stuff done if they need to). Nothing is right or wrong per se, it just is a way of realising how you spend your time. And like I said, it can be a real eye opener.

==============

There is the opposite of course - and that is

How to cope with the "lazy gene"

There are people who:

Wear the same clothes, do the same things, eat the same foods just to get through each day.  That's Ok, habits can help us get through what we need to get through. What I am talking about is the EXTREME lazy gene. My old neighbour was a very good example of this kind of person. Lazy, fat, dirty, smoker, alcoholic and on social welfare. The family were quite happy to live in squalor and if something broke, it never got fixed. There was the sheet of metal bolted to the daughters bedroom window when it got smashed, and the outside water tap that someone stuck a bucket on so it didn't shoot into the air. The place was a squalid mess, and I am sorry to say they were my direct neighbours. They didn't care, they didn't do anything all day and expected someone else to bail them out when things got a little tough. It got a lot tough when an accident occurred and their house burnt down - apart from some smoke inhalation they were unharmed. Our house was saved thanks to the quick thinking firies (I was on my way to work), and they were re-housed pretty quickly.  The house was demolished and we adopted the alpha male cat they had left behind. We re-named him Harvey and he grew fat and loved with a scar free coat until he passed on earlier this year. The family we found out, had simply transferred their old way of living to their new property - but thank goodness I don't have the police nor the RSPCA visiting them on a regular basis, nor do we have the smell of marijuana drifting over the fence any more.

I also know people who fall into the Hyper Active zone. They are always doing something. They have more qualifications than most people know what to do with and every day is filled with a gazillion things.

Most people fall somewhere between the two:

Hyper Active                                                                 Lazy Ass

<----------------------------------------------------------------->


You would think given from my rather crude drawing that most of us slide between the points on the scale. However, I think most of us spiral.

we feel guilty ------------------> we do more -------------------> we get tired and stop ---
|                                                                             |
|                                                                                                                             |
<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry it's very hard to convey in plain text, but I am sure you get what I mean. I know I am very guilty of the above. And anyone who has yo-yo'd with weight loss / weight gain as I have will know exactly what I am talking about. And if you want a more famous example, then Oprah Winfrey would be a good one to look at.

Additional action steps for the next 50 days:
=================

1. If you want to stop doing over, the trick is not to stop completely in the first place. Tread water if you're tired of swimming by all means, but let's face it, you are not going to get very far and you are going to be a good target for any sharks passing by. In other words - if you stop what you are doing, you are in effect going to go backwards as others forge ahead.

2. You need to decide if your current schedule is taking you further from your goals or work out if you need to de-clutter your calendar first?

How do you do that?

Well, it's honesty time:

* Do you enjoy the socialising more than the exercise?
* Do you spend more time at work than you need to?
* Does your family lose out because of anything else?

I'll speak to you soon

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It was a lesson in passion STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Professor Brian Cox DATE: 11/14/2012 11:58:45 AM ----- BODY:

Apologies for not speaking to you for a couple of days, but I have spent the last 3 days at the inaugural resources conference and trade show in Perth, Western Australia. The organisers have some logistics to sort out for future events, but on the whole, it was not a bad use of our time ... now if someone could just send me some cushioning for my feet, and can solve the cramp in the toes I would be eternally grateful.

Interestingly, I also managed to cross another item off my wish list yesterday ...

I managed to sit in on the keynote address by non other than Professor Brian Cox ... OMG what an amazing man. It was a lesson in passion. Namely - How can you distill 13.5 billion years into 40 minutes and not send the audience to sleep!


Talking to the trade show exhibitors and of course the delegates over the 3 days allowed us to show our passion (in this case change management and information governance). It was worth the 5am starts, the 15 hour days and the sore feet, just to share space with people who had the power and the authority to make changes within their organistions.

BTW - If you would like to see the photos, they are on facebook :-)

But a quick question - what drives you? What are you passionate about? And are you willing to put in the hours to ensure others hear your message...

Oh yes, if you go to my profile, you will see a pic of Prof Cox *swoons*

I'll speak to you again on the weekend (and hopefully my feet will have stopped hurting by then)

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can do WHATEVER you choose to do ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/20/2012 12:27:57 PM ----- BODY:

I missed my training session tonight because I needed to pick my daughter up from the airport ... it was her first girly trip away, and a chance to catch up with her dad who now lives and works in Indonesia.

It was quite a weekend. First my daughters father (and yes, my ex hubby) suffered a ruptured appendix, on the day it was a public holiday and nothing and I do mean NOTHING was done - including major surgery. Thankfully they managed to schedule the surgery for the following morning, and after a few sleepless hours my daughter was able to reconnect with her father in the recovery ward, post surgery ... thank whoever is listening that the doctor he saw had the sense to refer him to the hospital.

And while that was going on, I was going about my normal weekend business. I tell you it makes my laundry, gardening and cleaning weekend rather boring let me tell you...

AND as it turns out, my trainer who you know and I love ... was competing as part of a team in the very first Western Mudd Rush - a precursor to the Tough Mudder comp next year ... it looked like a lot of muddy fun. She only made it into the team after a short window of opportunity to replace the injured / can't compete competitors was announced ... no specific training and I have the before and after pics courtesy of facebook to know she did it. Please don't get me wrong, she is fitter than most people I know, so *high five* amazing and way to go Hils.

If you have no idea what I am talking about - here is the youtube clip http://youtu.be/N9AgfuS1Xb4

So what am I saying to you?

I am a big believer in saying "you will only do what you really want to do" ... my trainer really wanted to do the mudd rush, but happened to be in England because her father was dying when the announcement was made and she couldn't get her application in... sometimes, something's are more important than checking emails :-? The day her father died, she and her sisters and mother were sitting by her fathers bedside cracking jokes and drinking champagne, of which he was allowed a drop ... she apologized and he said (after a lot of difficulty) "I love hearing you girls laugh" it was also the last thing he said as he slipped away moments later.

Hilary was given a second opportunity and she took it, screaming into the starting line, and she probably laughed her way through the entire course, she's that kind of lady ... Oh and did I tell you, she is 57 and her hubby is going through chemo for bowel cancer at the moment.

It makes our excuses as to why we can't do something quite pathetic really. And it takes something really special to make me miss my Monday night P/T session - and yes my daughter is that special. But in other ways, when I doubt my abilities, I simply ask whether Hilary would approve and to that I know the answer is NO ... get your butt moving gurl...

Whatever you want to do, big or small - go for it. Both hands, bowl of strawberries in one hand, a jug of champagne in the other, screaming *woo hoo what a ride*

With lots of love and hugs, and big pat on the back for whatever you want to do...

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 100 day challenge: Part 7: Believe you can do it STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/21/2012 12:36:53 PM ----- BODY:

Motivate Me! The100 Day Challenge - What's in it for me? Part 7: Believe you can do it
==============================

I am currently editing a 900 page legal document.

Not only is it huge, it is mind numbingly boring (there I said it). While it is a good cure for insomnia it wouldn't be very professional if my colleagues found me nose down on the keyboard snoring.

So I have set up a game for myself.

For each section I finish I get to do something interesting for 5 minutes.

Now this works because:

1) I don't have to hide behind procrastination, whereas I might have procrastinated the starting of the day's project, in setting up the game, I am giving myself a reward for doing something that does need to be done, that just isn't very exciting. How fast am I going to complete a section so I can do something fun? As fast as I can.

2) It is up to you what you reward yourself with. One of my rewards today was walking around the office for 5 minutes. Another was to read a chapter of a report and I ate some almonds, well it was roughly "morning tea time".

3) It means I can tackle another issue at the same time as the one I don't want to work on, but have to. My inbox is currently overflowing with interesting bits and pieces, alerts that need checking and so on. So - my main focus today with my five minutes of fun has been to read these emails...and action what needs to be actioned. My task list is being transformed at an amazing pace (as things are completed and therefore deleted with new tasks being added).

As I was tackling the edit of the document, the software crashed. Now I could complain about the stupid software, or I can tackle another item that needs doing... I chose to tackle another item that needed doing while it re-built itself.

I'm lucky over the 10 years I have been the editor of this tome (The Australian Record Retention Manual for those of you who are wondering) I have streamlined my edit process to such an extent that it doesn't take me anywhere nearly as long to edit the manuscript as it used to do. I know I can do it, and can start the edit process much later than in the beginning knowing that I will get the job completed by its publication deadline. But what of those times when you don't know if you can complete something or not?

Well I need you to think about those "other guys' who never give up;
And millions of others who tried, tried and tried again before they became the success stories we hear about.

Unfortunately there are the millions of others we don't hear about - those who gave up when the going got a little bit tough. We don't hear about those kinds of people, but we should because in their lives lies a lesson for all of us.

So what is the difference?

Well the difference is a mind set. Let me put it this way, do you believe you can or can't do something? Either way you are right.

When you are faced with a massive project, take it one day at a time. I have to, it would drive me completely insane if I thought about the hours I would need to complete the edit project I am currently working on.

So

Make a game of it.

I know of one guy who had so many emails in his inbox after a holiday he didn't know where to start. So he began with a sheet of paper and divided it into squares, each square representing 10 emails. When he finished 10 emails he would colour in a square. Let's face it, it doesn't matter what games we play, so long as they work. That worked for him, it may not work for you. I managed 3 emails per 5 minute "break". The point is, when we can count the "successes" - sections completed, emails tackled, then you know that by the end of each day you are closer to your completed goal than if you had hidden behind "busy" work otherwise called structured procrastination, or the facebook's of this world ;-)

If you are faced with a task or a multitude of tasks (revision, reports to write, houses to clean, gardens to weed and take care of etc) and you don't want to start, why not multi-task the problems, and see how much you can get done as a result.

best

Elle

p.s. let me know if this works for you as I would be very interested to know

p.p.s. If you would like to go back - The other challenge emails can be found at: http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2012/10/11/2012-100-day-challenge-program-whats-in-it-for-me.html I'll speak to you again soon.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
Safe Unsubscribe:
---------------------------
To unsubscribe: Either hit the reply button and add unsubscribe to the beginning of the subject line. Please note: you do need to unsubscribe using the same e-mail address you subscribed with for this to take effect. Or if for some reason you get a bounce back - go to http://www.motivateme.info/contact-motivateme/ and let me know that way. For some reason (and no-one seems to know why) sometimes my e-mail address doesn't work, and I apologize for the inconvenience. It appears to be an intermittent technological problem that is out of my hands at this time.
---------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to read these daily musings, we hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2012 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Said the white rabbit stuffing his pocket watch back in his waistcoat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/05/2013 07:40:59 AM ----- BODY:

Actually I'm not late, just busy - as Alain de Botton tweeted this morning

"The feeling one has no time to get anything done provides the pressure that guarantees one does get some things done" (@alaindebotton)

It is the weekend of my daughter's 21st birthday. Gosh where does the time go a) when you are having fun bringing up kids by yourself and b) when you need more of it. Time that is, not kids :-)

Last night my partner and I took the kids and their partners for dinner and cocktails at the Duxton, gorgeous place if you are ever in Perth, Western Australia. BTW they make the best Long Island Iced Tea and Mocktails (IMO)
Today has been hectic to say the least and tomorrow our extended and adopted family are over for dinner and drinks in the afternoon and evening.

So you will have to excuse me for today because I need to keep going

Best

Elle

p.s. if you follow me on facebook you will know exactly what i've been up to today :-)
p.p.s. I even managed to get to Hyde Park this morning for the weekly shooting swanlet piccies which I will post during the week

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Rogelio G Rossetti EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 112.210.69.70 URL: http://www.guntherwatch.com/ DATE: 01/25/2013 02:01:42 AM We all need time. In fact, its not money that is the most important thing in this world but time. Once its gone, we cant turn it back. There are times that we have to think of other things that is more important that being busy. Nice article. Thanks so much! www.guntherwatch.com ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Wiper blades fitted free STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Law of Attraction CATEGORY: Gratitude DATE: 11/17/2012 05:38:55 AM ----- BODY:

I was on my way to the city today and passed a sign that read

"Congratulations, Bentley, Store of the Year, Western Australia"

I had to smile, because a few months ago in the exact same spot was a hand made sign that said

"Rain, hail or shine, wiper blades fitted free"

I took my daughter's car there to have hers replaced and sure enough the store assistant, fitted them for me... It turns out the campaign was so successful they had replaced 40 sets during the first morning and all during the first rains of the winter.

I didn't see any of the other stores offer the same campaign or kindness - which is probably why Bentley won the honour.

When we talk about going the extra mile and doing just that little bit more because you can, this is what we mean. This particular store had no idea their bright idea would bring them any kind of rewards, other than knowing they had helped a few people out, saved them from getting wet on their way to work. But it just goes to show that kindness, and a darn good idea is always rewarded.

with love and light

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The second quarter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/10/2013 11:51:34 AM ----- BODY:

It takes time to design a new life, but it takes a whole life time to live it.

Therefore it stands to reason that as you grow and change, your needs grow and change with it. So it also stands to reason that as you grow and change, your personal and professional needs will also change.

Consider that if you do the same things during this second quarter of the year, chances are going to be good, you will get the same kind of results as you did in the first quarter. Multiply that out and guess what - your end of year results are going to be the same as well. The difference - you may well be a year older, the same size, same shape with the same level of achievements as you've always had.

My question to you - is that OK? Or do you need to make some changes?

Now this is personal, if you are an over-achiever your current results list might be massive. But for the most?

Now I am not advocating that you make massive changes today in the hope that come the end of the year you will have made every change that you need to. On the contrary - too many changes all at once will probably overwhelm you and you will retreat into your old habits faster than you can say new years resolutions. So take the time to plan where you want to be at the end of this week, end of the month and end of the year. Once you have those kind of deadlines mapped out - then you can determine what you need to do in order to get there. But and here is the final point to ask yourself - is that realistic - and is that what you want?

One final point - treat each day as an opportunity to do better than you did yesterday and by the end of the year you will have achieved great things.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Start so small you won't be able to fail STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/15/2013 11:14:34 AM ----- BODY:

Do you hide behind clutter?

You know that being organised will help you, but you really don't know where to start:

So - start so small it's impossible to fail

    Put away 1 book
    Throw away 1 piece of paper you no longer need
    Write out the list of assignments / reports that need to be completed (you can sort by date later)

Tomorrow you do the same, and add another micro task to your chosen activities.

And of course it doesn't just apply to clutter, but everything we say we want to do, we can break almost anything down into very small practices you just know that you can achieve them. For example:

Want to lose weight / get fit but don't know where to start, try:

    Walking for 5 minutes
    Climb 1 set of stairs
    Walk to a further bus stop than you normally do
    Get off one stop earlier
    Eat 1 piece of fruit instead of the biscuit you normally eat
    Swap 1 glass of soda (sugary drink) for 1 glass of water

Remember we said a few days ago that everything was habit - well these kinds of behaviours repeated daily will become your new habits. And each one of these can be built upon as you become used to completing them.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your associations either help or hinder - which do you have? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/17/2013 11:01:45 AM ----- BODY:

The people we choose to spend time with can have a massive impact on how much we can do and achieve.

The question is - Who do you associate with and are they helping or hindering your progress?

It has been said that if you associate with people who spend too much money, are larger and not as fit as they should be - chances are you will end up doing exactly the same. Granted it may take a while (it depends on how good your willpower is) before their influence wears off on you, but it will wear off on you sooner or later. How many times can you resist the lure of pizza, beer and cake if it is always there?

Of course, you could be fortunate enough to associate with people who are fit and healthy, and don't take "no" for an answer when they ask - are you going to the gym tonight, and look at you as if an extra head has sprouted when you suggest staying home to watch the TV and eat junk food.

It is always worth making an inventory of those people with whom you associate on a regular basis.

What are they doing?
What are they saying?

And then you have to ask yourself the very tough question:

Is that OK?

Are they holding you back from doing all that you can, or being all that you can be? Or are they helping you to become the best you can be?

If they are seriously holding you back you might want to limit your association with these people and start to add "others" into your regular contact list. It's hard at first but it can be done.

Oh and by the way - when you are making your inventory of people you associate with on a regular basis - don't forget to add your own name to the list. Are you helping others to be all they can be? Are you helping yourself to be all that you can be?

With many thoughts and great friends and associates

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Strike while the iron is hot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/20/2013 07:20:11 AM ----- BODY:

I really didn't want to look at my jobs list today. I know it's the size of an A5 piece of paper (about half a page of a legal pad) with stuff written on every line. I should know I wrote it last night - as I always do at the end of my normal working day - write out the following day's list of "stuff" I need to do. That way I don't worry about stuff while I am trying to sleep. But that's the stuff of another post...

Anyway...

One of the things NOT on my list is something I had been putting off forever - well several months at least.

And that was MOW THE LAWNS.

The last time I had tried mowing said offending grassy stuff it rained and the mower got a little choked up - and I had to give up (it's an electric one). Now most of you know I live in Perth, Western Australia - I honestly can't remember the last time we had rain :-( so my oddly mowed lawn has been bugging me. This week I had decided enough was enough when I spotted my year old male cat stalking through the long grass trying to nonchalantly creep up on a bird.

So when I got home today, after I put the groceries away and before I sat down I went and got the mower out. 2 hours later I got around to cleaning my car inside and out, and at 3pm I've just had lunch.

Sometimes we may not want to do something, and if that is you - then I would suggest doing what I did today. Strike while the iron is hot and before the voices whisper in your ear - hey it's the weekend, you can have a rest you know.

Catch you soon, time to go and put some more laundry on the line :-?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Walking towards creativity STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/22/2013 10:26:04 AM ----- BODY:

"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk."

Walk alone, walk without music - just walk.

The very act of walking stimulates the right side of the brain. But you need to walk for some time to allow the mind to process what it needs to (I call this doing the mental filing). Once that is out of the way, the real fun can begin.

As you continue your walk, ask yourself a question or two

* How can I solve x problem
* What do I do next
* What should I do next

The questions are up to you - but choose the most important one, you know the one which has been bugging you for a while.

As you walk, the answers will come. They may not be the ones you wanted to hear but they will come.

Then all you have to do is put the answers you received into practice.

Try it, believe me it works

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When does routine become a rut? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/27/2013 06:20:03 AM ----- BODY:

Routines are vital, they help us to function on a day to day basis.

But what happens when you can't see beyond the routine?

We trudge back and forth slowly wearing a trench into the earth, getting deeper and deeper...

We can of course climb out of the rut we've dug ourselves into if:

a) you recognise you are in one
b) you want to - not everyone does

But how? There are 5 steps to this process:

1) stop
2) evaluate
3) keep the habits you need
4) stop doing everything else so there is room in your schedule
5) add in new things

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

It doesn't have to be big, just enough to shake you out of your complacent rut

1) Wear something outrageous. I wore a matching pair of socks the other day, my PT asked me if I was feeling OK :-)
2) Get your hair cut - differently, or if you are feeling really brave - coloured as well
3) Try a food you've never eaten before... add something new into your diet every day for a month. Challenge your diet as well as your thinking.
4) Eat breakfast at dinner time
5) Drive a different way to work
6) Pretend you enjoy your job / work and don't stop until you've completed them - throw whatever resources you have at them and blitz them out of the water

After several weeks of being frustrated by the lack of process at one of our favourite coffee shops (whereby they didn't oust the people who were just sitting there) we decided to do something different. So far we have rediscovered old places, and discovered they have moved on, improved in ways that we haven't...

If you are in a rut, change things up. Go on you know you wanna.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's easier to give up than step up STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/29/2013 12:37:03 PM ----- BODY:

More people will tell you that you can't do something than the few who tell you that you can.

Why do we listen to this majority? Just because they failed doesn't mean to say that we will.

When in reality we should be listening and emulating the few who believe they can do something who go out and prove the majority wrong. They are the ones the majority like to hate. The majority don't like to be reminded they've given up on their dreams. They say things like "I could be a success if I had their kind of luck"

Luck? Maybe.

Hard work? Probably.

Day after day of turning up and doing what needed to be done? Definitely!

Yep that's my kind of luck. Yours too if you want it.

I know it is far easier to give up than to step up to the plate - but to my mind the only way we will live the lives we want is to tune out the dissenters, turn off the negative and put our energy into that part of us that believes we can, not the voices that tell us, we can't.

Who are you going to listen to?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Everything else is just an excuse STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/01/2013 11:30:21 AM ----- BODY:

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them."
Dennis Waitley


Anything else is just an excuse.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be courageous today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/04/2013 06:37:13 AM ----- BODY:

There have been many times in my life when I was so scared of doing something I went ahead and did it anyway. I gave myself the freedom to fail. But I had to have a go first.

And believe me the list goes on. I am also sure there have been times when, like me, you have been so scared you've picked yourself up by the bootlaces and did it anyway. We gave ourselves permission to fail, knowing that we wouldn't. Because when we give ourselves permission to fail - anything is possible.

And isn't that true of everything - if we know that it's OK to stuff up, that it doesn't matter how many times we fall down the greasy pole because our hands are slick with nervous sweat, we know we can wipe them on our butts and give it another go.

As Anais Nin said "life shrinks or expands depending on one's courage"

So be courageous today

Elle

p.s. the sign was in the window of a hairdressers in Venice Beach, California - just in case you were wondering where I took the photo ;-)

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Tracey EMAIL: IP: 120.145.71.235 URL: DATE: 05/06/2013 03:10:49 AM Dear Elle,

I want to Thank You... for your constant encouragement through your Motivational e-zine.
Whilst I don't always get to read your emails when they come through, when I do get the chance to sit down and look at them, it seems the one or two I read were meant just for me at that point in time, and it helps me carry on trying yet again.

Thank you for being a part of the 'GOOD' in the world! :)

Kind Regards,
Tracey ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Change your mind, change your life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/06/2013 11:18:58 AM ----- BODY:

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind."
William James wrote that before his death in 1910.

Which makes me wonder what he would have said about the changes over the last 100 or so years.

We can do amazing things. We have done amazing things during that time. Sure there has been the horrible, the devastation, natural disasters and mankind being too greedy. But I suppose we cannot know the highs if we have never experienced the lows.

Think about it this way if you like:

Out of a problem will come more than one solution.

The HOW to will always be determined by your WANT to.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Create don't wait STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/08/2013 11:26:44 AM ----- BODY:

I'm sure you have heard of the Law of Attraction by now. And I am sure there are as many of you who believe as there are who don't believe it works.

I know one thing.

If I want something badly enough I will do whatever it takes to get there. Yes I look for inspiration, yes I ask myself if it is possible - but then

I create, I don't wait for some knight in shining armour riding a big white horse to scoop me up and take me to a mythical place where everything is OK. No, I stick on the armour, and go and find the blinking horse myself.

And you know what happens when I do that?

Things happen, things get done. Sure I might have questions, the path may be a bit rough at times, but I don't wait for someone to guess I need some answers - I find someone who can help me.

I find
I look
I ask
I do

I like how Jim Rohn put it - he said "To attract attractive people, you must be attractive. To attract powerful people, you must be powerful. To attract committed people, you must be committed. Instead of going to work on them, you go to work on yourself. If you become, you can attract."

If you become, you can attract

How do you become?

How do you do anything.

You create.
You create the conditions
You create something
Then you create some more.

When I don't want to write, when I don't have the creative spark - I sit down and I start writing. Anything, words, lists of things if necessary. Once my lazy mind has gotten past the fact that I am writing, the creation process is underway and I am writing. I am creating. And it is the same with everything. I didn't want to train tonight, my personal trainer has over the last 2 weeks found muscles I had forgotten I had. The Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness was incredible. But you know what - tonight I trained anyway. Yes I am going to be sore tomorrow. Today I don't care, I am creating my future me, one gym / personal training session at a time. Just as I am creating my future, one letter at a time.

What about you - what are you creating? Or are you still waiting? Hold on a minute and I'll go and find my armour.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Shirley EMAIL: [email protected] IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: http://www.motivateme.info DATE: 05/09/2013 01:03:30 AM Thanks for all the tweets :-)
Elle ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Today is a great day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/12/2013 12:10:41 PM ----- BODY:

Here in Australia it is Mother's day. With that said I would like to wish all mum's regardless of country or in fact specific day to celebrate our mothers and hope for a day filled with countless blessings, regardless of where we are or what plan to do today.

My mum is partially sighted. Long story short - she needs several operations in the not too distant future to restore what little eyesight she has left. I remember her first op a long time ago, they cut off her eyelashes - we couldn't stop laughing - mum thought we were horrid. Now I think she would gladly give her eyelashes if she could see properly.

My mum was a gifted seamstress, she can knit & crochet without the need for patterns and loves to read, but most of that has been lost to her - thanks to a genetic disorder.  My mum isn't unique with her problems or issues, but she is my mum and I love her to bits. Which is why I organised for an orchid to be delivered, along with a large box of chocolates and a bottle of Aussie wine to enjoy. Sensory pleasures of the soul.

How is this in any way supposed to be motivational I can hear you say?

Well, my mum may not be able to see particularly well, buit that doesn't stop her from getting out and doing stuff. In fact she is rarely in and would put most of us to shame with her zest for life.

What excuse do we have?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you sending the right message? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/15/2013 11:15:43 AM ----- BODY:

I was following a company vehicle the other day. Clean, no dings or dents. The driver was careful and courteous - but there was just something wrong. It took me a few seconds (well I was driving at the time), but then it came to me.

Here in Australia there is a growing use of stick figure window stickers to explain who is part of your family. I know of one guy who bought one and stuck it on his neighbours car, apparently they still haven't noticed. But anyway. This particular liveried vehicle I was following had a bunch of stick figure stickers on the back window. Unfortunately they were being "chased" by a chain saw brandishing monster with the words "we don't care about your stick figure family". He might have thought it was amusing. To me it said - our company don't care about you... Thankfully I am not into the drilling business, but if I had been and drove into their car park and saw that... I would be making a very quick exit.

Given that our corporate uniforms, the name badges, the buildings we work in. The decor, the landscaping say just as much about our businesses as the words we use. Are we promoting our businesses in the best possible way - all the time... Or do we need to make some changes to the way we motivate our workforce.

Let's face it, if we can't make the effort, why would we expect anyone else to?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If at first... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/18/2013 07:31:33 AM ----- BODY:

If at first you do succeed, try not to look astonished :-)

Firsts are important, it proves you are growing, changing, mixing things up. It means pushing the boundaries of your zone of comfort - and doing it with a smile. Because change is good.


Some of my "firsts" for this year include:

Publishing 2 books on kindle - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore
  • Driving an almost brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee in America, on the left hand side of the road in a left handed drive vehicle - eek
  • Seeing Sedona - Climbing Cathedral Rock, having drinks in a 5 star hotel watching the sunset, San Diego, San Diego Safari Park, Brentwood village, The Getty Museum, Tucson, Sabino Canyon, ancient lava flow at sunset crater, Pueblo ruins, Page, Lake Powell, Kanab in Utah, Zion national park, Calico Ghost Town / silver mine, Brisbane city - Australia.
  • Eating mesquite BBQ food (yummy)
  • Meeting Navajo Indians
  • Dinner at the UWA club
  • Donating $10 a week to the Red Cross Hungry Children's Program
Every Sunday has been deemed a do something different from normal - day. So I have been to see Iron Man 3 - on my own, visited places I haven't seen for a while (if at all) and stretched my reading comfort zone, completing 60 books so far, 50 of which are non-fiction.

It's not a bad start to the year ...
How about you? When was the last time you did something for the first time - and what was it?

Best

Elle

 

p.s. the picture was taken in Santa Monica - a place I visited for the first time last year :-) but it was just as good this time around.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do well, try hard STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/20/2013 11:38:23 AM ----- BODY:

We found this motivational graffiti painted on a rock at a car pull off on the Big Sur

I think it says it all

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Saving for a rainy day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/22/2013 12:27:43 PM ----- BODY:

Life is short, even at its longest.

Few of us know how long we have to make our mark on the world. Yes we hear the stories of Colonel Sanders and Ray Kroc who made their fortunes later on in life and then lived a long enough life after to enjoy seeing their success become stratospheric. But what of those who are taken too early? The tornado victims. Those killed and injured at the Boston Marathon, and every single road crash victim we could all name. Every single one of them - taken too soon.

But today I would like to share with you a heart breaking inspirational story - of a young man who found out at the age of 14 that he didn't have too many years to live. But what he created in those few years is "wondtastic"

Zachary Sobiech died just 2 days ago of osteosarcoma - I hope his story and that of his family and girlfriend, and the musicians who took the song he wrote for his family "clouds" and turned it into something they will always have to remember him by. The money the song will raise - will help those who are also going through the same, to hopefully live a long and happy life.

Zach you are a legend.

P.s. you will need tissues - lots of them.

http://youtu.be/9NjKgV65fpo

Or if you just want to listen to the music

http://youtu.be/7zxXAtmmLLc

Don't save anything for a rainy day

We don't know how many rainy days we have left

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: That kind of motivation is awe inspiring STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/25/2013 07:27:25 AM ----- BODY:

It was around 10 degrees this morning when I encountered her. She had probably been standing in the same spot for several hours by that point, and would spend most of the day there. We should know, it doesn't matter what time of the weekend we pass that point, she is always there.

And we always make a point of stopping and saying hello.

You must be freezing I said, taking in the diminutive frame clad in her usual garb.

She smiled, no - I've found a nice spot where the sun is warming up my back. It's lovely this morning.

It was a lovely morning, she was right. There is always something so beautiful about winter sunshine, when the fierce heat of an Australian summer is all but forgotten.

I dropped a couple of dollars into her collecting tin, in thanks for the care this organisation had shown my partners father when he was a young boy. Would you like a copy of the magazine? She asked.

No thanks I said, save it for someone else

It's free

I know

And it's got a really nice recipe in it.

Really - what?

Blueberry muffins...

Sold, I said, Mike likes muffins. (Now I just have to make them :D )

Sheila has been standing in virtually the same spot in the 17 years I have lived in Australia, collecting money for the Salvation Army. We always drop some money in the tin. Just as a prayer of thanks and in honour of this lady who at around 80 years of age, still looks immaculate and always has a smile for those who stop and share time with her.

That kind of motivation is awe inspiring.

I hope you have an amazing day

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: We will never forget STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/27/2013 12:33:06 PM ----- BODY:

It is memorial day in the USA

A chance to reflect on those who have given their all in defence of their country.

We formally honour our fallen on a different day of the year, but I would just like to say THANK YOU. I will never know all your names, but I do have a bond. Two actually.

My father served during the Cyprus conflict, was shot and invalided out at the age of 19. I was lucky - he made it home, and I am a direct result :-)

And a friend and Navy vet, Ron White - and THE memory champion has commited to memory every person's name who has died so far in the Afghanistan conflict (and lets hope there are no more). He has written the memorial wall several times recently - the most recent - today on memorial day. A fitting tribute. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/texas-man-memorizes-names-americans-killed-afghan-war-article-1.1278354

I try not to take anything for granted, especially my loved ones and extended family. In fact tonight I spent a glorious couple of hours sipping wine with a colleagues mum, who at 91 and a half is on her own while she and her partner are overseas. So I gave up my training tonight, so I am home several hours later than normal. We had such a good time, we are plotting ways to make sure Gail and Gordon go out so we can continue our evenings :-)

Life is short, even at its longest.

I hope you spend some time today reconnecting with your loved ones. Mine are a blessing and I consider myself to be so lucky to be able to share such a close bond with them.

Love and hugs to all

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Have projects not problems STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/29/2013 01:13:13 PM ----- BODY:

Redefine your problems as projects.

Projects you can complete.

Problems just make you worry.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It doesn't have to be far to make a difference STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/04/2013 07:05:27 AM ----- BODY:

We went away this weekend. It took me a whole 35 minutes to reach our destination after finishing work on Friday night. 35 minutes away from the normal stuff that surrounds our lives. But gosh what a view :-) (p.s. it is Penguin Island in Shoalwater. This was the view from the balcony)

I didn't travel light, I was driving, so took everything I would normally have with me at home on a weekend. I used about a 10th of it :-)

When you are out of your normal routine, you can take a good look at what it is you do, and ask - honestly if what you normally do is the best use of your time. I have been taking today (my first full day back) to get rid of more stuff I don't really need to hang on to. But it is more than just stuff. One of my travelling companions is inherently negative. She sweats the small stuff, and I mean the SMALL stuff. Stuff you and I wouldn't even think about. Stuff I no longer even think about. I explained my thought processes to her in this way:

If it is something out of my direct control - I don't worry about it. It's like trying to stop the tide from turning. I can't help what people think about me, but I can do something about what I am thinking about.
If it is something in my control but I can't do anything about it there and then - I don't worry about it. For instance, water heaters that decide to crack and leak during the evening. Simple, I turned it off and waited til morning. Who needs a hot shower anyway?
If it is something in my control and the first step needs to be done - I do it, so I don't have to worry about it, then I wait and schedule the remainder as and when the steps come front and centre.

You don't have to go away to get a different perspective on life. I just happened to be away from the routine which made it easier for me to see.

What are you worrying about that you shouldn't?
What are you not doing because you are worrying?

With many thoughts

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Get moving, get creative STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/07/2013 05:51:05 AM ----- BODY:

I do some of my best thinking and consequently work while I am on the move.

Long walks, gym time or driving to and from the office.

The left brain that dominates my life (and probably yours too) is busy with the mechanics of movement. Do this, do that, move this, contract that muscle. My left side of the brain is also busy with lists of things to do, things I’ve not yet done, worrying, wondering during the start of these physical activities I have to wonder if it will ever shut up.

But then all of a sudden it stops being a worry wart and relaxes into the mechanics of movement. Ever vigilant of course, but quiet. It’s like that moment when the kids go to sleep and you can stop actively listening.

When that moment happens, the right side of my brain decides it is safe to come out and play. Then it quietly but firmly begins to come up with ideas.

Business ideas, book ideas, movies and screenplays to write ideas, you name it ideas my right brain has them. And because my left brain is occupied it doesn’t kick in with the snide comment “well that won’t work” or the equally nasty “when are you going to find time to do that then?”

I may not act on these ideas straight away, but once they are written down, they are:

a) going to get done eventually,

b) won’t be forgotten.

If your thinking is stuck then I would urge you to move.

Stack shelves, shelve books, shoot hoops, walk, drive, ride your bike – somewhere, anywhere. Get into the feeling of the mechanics of your body so you can kick start your creative brain. It works, and I should do it more often J inserts note to self.

And if you don’t believe it works then google “Google” and check out where they work and how much creative time they get each week to work on pet projects. Check out Labs while you are at it, because these are the results of their active play time and you have to admit they have had some pretty amazing ideas.

With many creative thoughts

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Invest your energy in best case scenarios STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/09/2013 10:52:02 AM ----- BODY:

Instead of thinking about what might go wrong

Why not think about what would happen if everything went right.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: We are the force STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/12/2013 12:21:46 PM ----- BODY:

We have all heard of Newton's first law of motion "An object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by a force. An object in motion remains in motion, and at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by a force."

We are that force.

It is up to us whether we remain at rest - doing little, going nowhere OR
If we are moving... we will remain in motion until we decide whether we are going to slam the brakes on or not.

Believe me when I say this, it is much easier to stop than to get going again on a project once it has stalled. That project may be YOU - your diet, your exercise plan, your personal goals whatever they are. It may be your business - the sales calls, the marketing that needs to be done, the customer service follow ups. It may be your school / uni assignments - it's easier to party hard than to study and get good grades.

The trick I have found is - very little, but still moving. Like treading water in a swimming pool. Still moving, but conserving energy while I consider what I need to do next. Which in the case of a swimming pool is either start swimming again or get out of course.

What movement have you put towards your projects and goals today?

It could be 1 sentence, 1 minute of on the spot jogging, 1 item of clothing picked up off the floor and put away.

I know - it sounds ridiculous - but anything is better than nothing. And breaking it down to such a small task means it is not going to be hard to complete.

1 thing. You can do 1 thing.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do you have a magic wand you can lend me? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/15/2013 08:02:20 AM ----- BODY:

I have this banner on my wall at home.

It reminds me that I don't have to do everything today, but little by little I will get everything I want to do - done.

But then I think it would be really nice if someone could just wave a magic wand or a team from backyard blitz would come round and give me a hand - especially given the winter grass that's springing up through the mulch again

*sighs*

Weed pulling anyone?

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A spark of inspiration STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/17/2013 12:05:22 PM ----- BODY:

I am sure you have heard the name of Jacob Barnett - the teenage autistic genius who is currently working on a new field of research that looks like revolutionising the world as we know it - amongst other things (and if you haven't - Google him - it's amazing).

I was inspired by the story so much I bought the book his mum wrote on his and their extraordinary lives so far, and I know the story has a lot of installments to come.

But it's not Jacob I want to focus on today, it's his mum Kristine. Not only did she run a daycare centre, but when she was trying to get Jake into mainstream schooling when the "professionals" said he would never be able to talk let alone tie his own shoelaces, she reached out to the community - and helped not just her son, but dozens of children with autism.

How?

Spoiler alert - she found the little light inside every child and focussed on what that child could do, not on what they couldn't. And she did it in amazing ways. For Jacob it was asking professors if he could sit in on lectures at the age of 9, then there were jelly bean murals, sports for autistic kids, play, fun, cardboard bricks for a child who was frustrated they only had enough to build a wall, when he wanted to design houses and castles. Home made play dough, and cup cakes with lots of icing with letters on them to teach a child the alphabet to incredible fondant designs of such complexity in a very short space of time. The list is endless and unique to each child. And Kristine found it through watching the children and then encouraging their abilities.

She didn't do it alone of course, there was a lot of help in other areas - including her amazing husband - who came home to find a Llama in the kitchen one night ... and why not.

The book was a reminder to me, a wake up call of immense proportions that we all have a little light inside of us that we need to honour, to nurture, to let shine so bright it could eclipse the sun. That little light is unique to you. It is your gift to the world. And unfortunately it is a light most of us hide, most of the time.

Today - do me a favour, but do yourself an even bigger one

Remember your little light, that spark of what you have always wanted to do, to be, and spend time today and every day nurturing it - nurturing you.

With lots of love and hugs

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Good days and bad days STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/19/2013 10:58:16 AM ----- BODY:

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)


Nice one Herm.

I must admit I have good days and bad days just like everyone else. When I am feeling particularly low I usually take myself off for a day or so and give myself a stiff talking to. And if that doesn't work - well I go back to what has inspired me in the past. I re-read, re-watch, re-listen to flip the switch back to positive as fast as I can. I also take time to check my diet and exercise regime is OK during these periods of down time. It usualy is, but it doesn't hurt to check in with yourself now and again.

What do you do to nurture yourself when you take time out to assess your goals and of course your personal achievement plans?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Make the 2nd half better than the first STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/22/2013 06:24:36 AM ----- BODY:

Yesterday was the solstice. For us "down under" it marked the turning of the year back towards the sun.

That means of course that the earth year is half way through. How has the first half of the year been for you? What can you do to improve the second half?

Look at it this way?

Imagine that every day you are given a blank canvas on which to work. Just think, we have the opportunity to create a dazzling day, filled with colour and vibrancy.

Unfortunately, for most people, their paintings look the same. They don't know they are, it's just that they've forgotten what it's like to live a life of vibrancy. They may change one or two colours - but day after day, they paint the same picture.

Can you imagine getting to the end of your life and having to walk down a corridor with your daily paintings hanging on the walls? How scary would it be to see the same thing? Row upon row of the same picture, an endless stream of monotony, interspersed occasionally with the odd picture that stands out, a day that was "special" in some way.

You pause for a moment, to reflect, but then as you return to the walk down the corridor the paintings return to the same themes again and again. You stop and try to go back to that picture you saw earlier, but it’s no longer there. You have to keep walking, past picture after picture of drudgery.

Now imagine what it would be like to walk down a corridor where the walls are lined with vibrancy. You would walk quickly towards the next one, to see what new and exciting things you had done. You would smile, you would frown, and you would remember the happy times, the sad times, and the days of pure bliss. Each day the painting was filled with something different.

The question is what would your paintings look like? Would they be filled with the same kinds of images day after day, or would your pictures be filled with lots of different things and memories?

We all have the same amount of time each day, each and every one of us. We are all given a block of time that we can spend in any way that we want, with a few exceptions.

It is quite a simple equation:

24 hours; take away the time that you are sleeping; Take away the time that you spend getting ready to go to work, traveling to and from work and the hours you are at work. And what have you got left? The answer is not very much.

Still not convinced? I’ll let you do your own math!

24 hours ( - ) _________ (sleep) ( - ) _________ (getting ready for work, traveling to and from work, plus time spent at work) ( - ) ___________ (dinner preparation, eating, supervising homework, dishes and housework) = _____________ (left to do what you really want to do).

So in order to paint a different picture each and every day takes some planning, and yes some creativity, which is why people return to the same canvas. They don't have to think about it. They may spend 50 weeks of the year doing the same thing, saving enough money to go somewhere on holiday - to do the same things in a different place. But don't let that be you. Use bold colours, bold strokes and make a difference to the way your own lives turn out. The beauty of this is - when others see you having a good day, with a smile on your face, they will stop and some will return that smile, and you may unknowingly make someone elses day.

Make the effort for the 2nd half of the year, change the lines and colours of your life.

With love and lots of paint splatters

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can do anything - but you have to eat your greens first STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/24/2013 12:04:34 PM ----- BODY:

"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first" - Mark Twain

Every day we have to eat the frogs that life has given us. You do know what I am talking about don't you? Those nasty jobs that we would rather delegate than do, but have to swallow our pride and the temptation to conveniently forget to do them - and do them even if it is going to make us gag the whole time.

Do them, swipe them off the to do list and bask in the knowledge that if you can do that - you can do ANYTHING

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Thinking makes it so STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/26/2013 12:02:18 PM ----- BODY:

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."  Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Are your thoughts inherently positive or more often than not - negative?

Given that almost all our negative thoughts and worries about what might happen never come to pass, surely it would make more sense to focus on the good things in life!

After spending a huge amount of my life worrying about what might happen - and most of it didn't I have to say - I have a new policy on life. BUt - what was interesting, when something did happen that could have been deemed "bad" I rolled up my sleeves and got on with sorting it out. Whatever it was, I handled it. And so would you if you had to - you would, you know you would - because we are stronger than we think. Now i don't worry about the what or the how. I just know that whatever it is - I will find a way. This leaves me with lots of energy to focus on what good might happen during the day. It makes my life far more interesting, and a whole lot more fun than spending the day chewing my nails let me tell you.

So - Just for today - assume everything is going to turn out just right, and see what a difference it makes to your day and your life.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 1, 2, 5 & 30 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/28/2013 12:19:32 PM ----- BODY:

Do you struggle to get going in a morning? I must admit I do sometimes. So I have a set of "rules" I use if I need to kick start my day.

If it is going to take a minute or less to do - I do it NOW.

  • Firing off a quick e-mail
  • Reading an e-zine that's come in
  • Clearing my junk e-mail
  • Checking my e-mail folders for immediate and actionable work and opening them up ready for phase 2
Once I have completed my 1 minute jobs I tackle the 2 minute ones.
  • Putting a load of laundry in
  • Fetching some off the line
  • Doing the dishes
  • Organizing my lunch / gym bag for the following day
  • Responding to an e-mail (those ones that need a quick response)
  • Returning a telephone call
Once my 2 minute jobs are done I tackle the 5 minute ones
  • Reading the report that's been sitting on my desk forever
  • Reading a chapter of a book (always looking at ways to increase my knowledge)
  • Composing the outline of a letter / article / assignment / e-mail that needs a little longer
  • Tidying that drawer that's been bugging me
  • Hanging the laundry out, or putting it away
Then I get to the 30 minute jobs
I pick the item that needs doing the most - remember those outlines we created earlier - I pick the one that needs my attention and I commit to working on it for 30 minutes.

Once that period of time has gone past, I then go back to the 1 and 2 minute jobs that still need doing, or have come through since starting my day.

I also add in a bit of exercise.
  • I walk to the kitchen and get a glass of water or make a cup of tea.
  • If I am at home, I will do 20-30 squats (they look at you a bit strangely if you do these in the office for some reason)
Then I go back and commit to the next batch of 30 minutes for the next item that needs my attention.

Sometimes I do get so engrossed in the process I work way beyond the 30 minutes and that's the whole point. The point is to get into working a system of managing time that works for you.

This also works for setting up new habits you want to start doing.
Give it a go. If it works for you - great. If it doesn't - well, there will be other techniques that might - we just have to keep looking.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Give it everything you've got STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/01/2013 09:30:26 AM ----- BODY:

"I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy, enthusiasm and hard work"
Harry S Truman


There is no more time to waste.
If you want great things you need to do great things.
Don't settle for anything else because you were meant for more than the ordinary, the mundane, the normal lives most people live.

We've just started the 2nd half of the year

Give it everything you've got

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Whatever the mind can conceive STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/03/2013 12:09:58 PM ----- BODY:

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”  Napoleon Hill

My daughter has been desperate to paint her room - she knew what colours she wanted, but with money tight (and given I had painted it - as the spare room a year or so back - wasn't going to do it again anytime soon) she had to wait. She now has 2 part time jobs while studying for her degree - and Monday she asked if I would assist her with paint choosing and give her some painting lessons.

BTW that is Mr Cooper supervising her first attempts at edging...

There are several lessons from this I can share with you.

She knew what she wanted to achieve BUT she didn't know how to complete the goal - so she asked for help.

I must have painted a dozen houses over the years, so guess who she asked...

Several lessons and the first coat of paint on the wall feature wall later, I think I have created a monster - well maybe not, but she can't wait for tomorrow so she can get back into the shed to find the rest of the equipment I asked her to get out yesterday...

If you can conceive the outcome, you can achieve it - guaranteed. Sure the steps between setting the goal and achieving it may change - but the how doesn't matter. What matters is setting the goal in the first place.

But with the paint safely away, you will have to excuse me, it's now time for dinner :-)

Hope you have a great night

Best

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The only time we have is ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/08/2013 11:47:04 AM ----- BODY:


If the only guaranteed time we have is NOW why do we wait?

Answers on the back of a postcard to ...

1800 Procrastination Rules
Forever Street
Never Never Land

Best
Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 1 degree makes a huge difference STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/10/2013 11:52:57 AM ----- BODY:

"Don't let the best you have done so far be the standard for the rest of your life"
Gustavus F Swift


I believe we are all capable of so much more. But it doesn't have to be HUGE - well not all at once that is.

Consider this simple premise (and one the 100 day challenge asks) how can you be better today than you were yesterday?

That change may be as simple as 1 thing. 1 change. 1% different.

Add another single thing tomorrow and the day after that - and guess what - by the end of the week we are 7% better. By the end of a month 30% better and yes by the end of a year 365% better than we were before we started.

1%

Did you know that the difference between not quite warm enough and boiling is just 1 degree

1 degree

We can live our lives just warm enough, doing just enough to get by or we can add 1 degree to our actions and make our lives outstanding.

Today I ask you to add fire to your dreams and goals and make today outstanding. Why not go for that extra degree and see just how much you are capable of

Best

Elle

---------------------------
The 100 day challenge
---------------------------
We are just embarking on the 2nd half of the year. The 3rd quarter of 2013

It's time to add fire to your goals

http://www.motivateme.info/challenge

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Success likes action STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/14/2013 07:40:01 AM ----- BODY:

"A lot of successful people are risk takers. Unless you're willing to do that - to have a go, fail miserably, and have another go, success won't happen."
Phillip Adams

Do you play it safe?
All the time?
A lot of people do. They figure that if they play it safe, things can't go wrong.
But as we know all too well, things can and do go wrong - pretty much all the time.
And what happens then - well if you're anything like me, you get on and you fix it. You can't sit and wring your hands - wishing things were different. Well you could I suppose, but you still have to get up and get on with it sooner or later.
So if you think about it - If we can't guarantee what life is going to throw at us, a suggestion...

When you are faced with a decision - why not go with the bolder choice.

Success likes action

Speak soon
Elle


---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Inspiration in a leather jacket STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/15/2013 10:52:24 AM ----- BODY:

You know what they say about judging a book by its cover.

It just goes to show how wrong we can sometimes be ...

WOW - with a capital WOW

http://youtu.be/u7dPlCzUG44

Apologies in advance if you have seen this already, but I was blown away and wanted to share

Blessings

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You need special conditions to create a rainbow STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/17/2013 09:56:53 AM ----- BODY:

 

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet

It's true isn't it:


But what is more important to me, is appreciating things as they are.

If I didn't get to see both the sunshine and the rain I would never get to see the rainbows of life.

Whatever life throws at you today

Be grateful

You're here to enjoy it

Blessings

Elle
p.s. this is the view from Monument Hill overlooking Fremantle Port, Western Australia  - a great place to chill whatever the weather ;-)
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I am blessed STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/21/2013 09:07:05 AM ----- BODY:

Sunday is our re-boot day. A day where we like to get out and about and do something different.

When we are faced with a constant round of routine, believe me change can not only be a good thing, it is absolutely essential.

Today we went into the hills, about 40 minutes from home and were blessed to see this...

We got within touching distance of these beautiful creatures, so much so - one tried to nibble my fingers... I am still in awe of the trust shown towards me :-D

As I look forward to the week ahead and it's routines, challenges and possibilities I can look back on an amazing moment and can't wait to see what my next re-boot moment will look like

Wishing you a blessed week

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: While the world waits ... things get done STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/22/2013 12:00:28 PM ----- BODY:

You may or may not have noticed but a new member of the British Royal Family is on the way. It seems like the entire world is holding its breath waiting for the 3rd in line to the British throne to arrive.

Please don't get me wrong, I can't wait to know when he or she will arrive, and the plethora of names the child will be given. But as a mum myself I can only imagine what the Duchess is going through right now ... one word "ouch"

But the pain and the discomfort will be forgotten once they hold their child... And the why is important - their first major goal will have been achieved.

Radio 2 link insert

Goals are like that moment

Lots of thinking - is this the right time, all the preparation, the anxiousness - will "it" turn out OK - we make them sound like a cake (our goals that is, not the kids) ... Oh no, how am I going to cope if it isn't perfect the first time. Believe me, most of our finished goals are nothing like the image we had when we conceived the idea. Well mine never did, and you know what, most of the time they turned out OK.

Don't wait for the perfect time - there isn't one.
All we have is now

So - it's time to get the new "babies" on the way - and yes, take it from this mama - they will turn out OK

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your successes to date STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/24/2013 01:48:43 PM ----- BODY:

The end of June marks several turning points in the year.

Not only is it the half way point in the calendar year, it is the end of the financial year here in Australia. A chance to check the score cards and see just how well we've done financially.

Well today I would like you to look at your "successes" in a slightly different way.

And a pen and paper will come in handy if you've never done this before.

This exercise will take a little bit of doing, but it is very important if you have ever had doubts about what you have achieved so far and whether or not you can achieve anything of note in the near future.

Ready, set...

I would like you to remember (and write down) every single thing you consider to have been a success in your life so far. What have you achieved?

This is a very personal exercise, you don't need to compare notes with anyone else, this is all about remembering just how good you are at being you.

To give you a personal set of examples:

What about you?

Remember the successes, remember how good you felt, and know you have countless opportunities to push yourself even further... and think about how good you will feel then...

Just outside the boundaries of our personal comfort zones lies the biggest opportunities for our growth, which is always worth thinking about

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I like to move it, move it STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/29/2013 06:28:10 AM ----- BODY:

Apologies for the lack of posts over the weekend, but I was re-arranging my house.

Friday morning I asked my kids if I could make some changes to the layout of the house. Yes I know it's my house, but I wanted to know if they objected to no longer having a lounge / front / sitting room. Not only were they in favour, they helped with moving some of the heavier items too.

My office space used to consist of a spare corner just off the kitchen. The living area of our house is based on an open plan design - so the noise of TV's, music, friends on a weekend etc etc was sometimes a bit toooo much. In taking over the front room, I've been able to bring my books together and can now quite proudly say I have my home office and library :-) If you follow me on Instagram or we are friends on Facebook / Twitter you will have seen the changes take place over the course of a couple of days. And I have to say I can now cross something else off my bucket list :-D It also gives the kids a much better area to entertain their friends.

From the idea to completion of the goal was around 8 hours of physical activity. Now most goals won't be completed that quickly - but each component of a goal - whatever it is, can be.

Break your big goals into very small action steps that will take no longer than 30 minutes tops, then go do something else until the urge to continue takes over. As challenges and changes to the plan occur - go with the flow. I re-arranged the desks / working stations about half a dozen times before I was happy with the result. My vision for the space was a little off - but this way works better - and that is what is important.

And remember to have fun while you are doing it... otherwise what's the point. Besides which if you don't enjoy the journey you certainly won't enjoy the end result.

Wishing you all a very productive Monday and rest of the week

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Personal deadlines STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/31/2013 01:24:14 PM ----- BODY:

I apologise in advance for the black humour but it is the only way I can deal with this at the moment. That or crack heads and I am too far away for that.

Let me explain...

My niece has not had a particularly good start in life. I won't go over that part, but during her 21st year she had an ovary removed because of "ladies" problems. Then she lost her fiance to a car crash and the surgeons couldn't save him - that was February. 3 days ago she turned 22 and yesterday she underwent surgery for stage 2 ovarian cancer in her remaining ovary.

Her prognosis is reasonable. She is due to start chemo next week. BUT - she is living with my mum and her grandmother at the moment because both her parents are being (how can I put this without sounding horribly rude) not very helfpful to her situation. They have allowed their ego's to get in the way of supporting their daughter. So my mum and her grandma has stepped in and is being the support she needs during this difficult time. That and us albeit from a distance.

I wish I could be closer to them - not only to support her, but to bang heads together.

Why should this be in any way motivational?

How many 22 year olds do you know are living with a death sentence over their heads. Before last week I didn't know any ... some of you I am sure will know people who are and I wish it didn't have to happen to people who we know and love...

For everyone who wonders why a single day is important - this message is for you

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Routines are vital to goal achievement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/03/2013 07:34:48 AM ----- BODY:

Routines are vital - they are the things that make or break your list of tasks and ultimately whether or not you achieve your goals. Seriously.

My Saturday routine has become one of the best of the entire week for me.

Saturday is the day I ensure the groceries are fetched, laundry is done - and having now completed this other task for the last 8 weeks or so - my garden is now becoming weed free in many areas. And none of these tasks take very long - because they are part of my routine. 40 minute walk after breakfast with my partner. Today we met the next gen of baby swanlets at Hyde Park - mega cute. Left there, called at the supermarket on the way home, put that away, cleaned the kitchen, put some laundry in the machine, filled the bin with weeds, put the laundry on the line. Sometimes I do forget to eat, so need to ensure I add that into my routine - but every Saturday I can achieve - little by little the goal of keeping the house clean and the garden free of weeds :-) And many other things including my continuing goal for better health and fitness and many other things.

Now I just have to ensure the rest of my week is just as productive - which means I do need to look at my routines.

What are your current routines?

What can you add or subtract to your routines that would ensure you reached your goals?

best

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Repeat the successes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/05/2013 10:09:35 AM ----- BODY:

What worked today? Repeat those successes tomorrow
What worked last week? Repeat those successes this week
What worked over the last month? Repeat those this month
What didn't work? Learn from these moments, but for goodness sake don't repeat them.

And they don't have to be BIG things either.

Every micro decision you make that takes you closer to your goals is a success.
You want to lose weight, be fit and healthy - and you ate healthful foods in the proper quantity and went for a walk. Those are good examples of excellent micro decisions.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The harder you work, the luckier you get STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/07/2013 11:25:39 AM ----- BODY:

The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Gary Player

I had a bit of time during lunch today and started going through my digital photo files and began posting items to my goals achieved board. http://pinterest.com/motivate8me/goals-achieved/

One of the pictures was of the Natural Window in Kalbarri (above). We had taken that photograph a couple of years ago (2009) when we had first visited the gorges. It was then I explained to my contact we were going back in a few weeks ;-) to which the person said that I was lucky.

To which I replied...

"thanks, not sure about luck it's more about making decisions then taking action"

While I think I am right in this instance - the moment we make a decision and take action - things do seem to fall into place. Do you call that luck or a direct result of the work you have put into achieving your dreams? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts

Elle

P.S. 5 weeks and counting :-)

P.P.S. The reason we are going to be away in 5 weeks is because it is the beginning of my half century of being on this earth, and it's Friday the 13th at that - eeeek

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sustain permanent change STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/10/2013 06:52:29 AM ----- BODY:

The only way you can sustain a permanent change is to create a new way of thinking, acting, and being.
Jennifer Hudson, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, 2012

This may sound like a lot of hard work. But really it's not.

Change can only happen one decision at a time. That's it.

We think, we act, we are ... one decision at a time.

I am not going to smoke this one cigarette - I will go and do something else instead
I am going to make this one meal a healthy one ...
I am going to read a chapter of a book - which one will have the biggest impact on my life right now?
I am going to go for a walk right now, I know if I wait, I will find all sorts of excuses as to why I can't, so today I am going to decide why I can... where are my shoes?

Nothing earth shattering, nothing momentous. Just one decision, followed by another good decision, and another and guess what happens? Yes, permanent change.

Which is a great way of thinking about long term change. Small changes multiplied by time = massive results

Best

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Vitality is the essence of life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/12/2013 11:37:51 AM ----- BODY:

It was a comment made by a colleague at the office today. She said, she needs to adopt a dog. I've done significantly less walking since Dashy passed away and I have to make myself go to the gym instead...

I could have gone to the gym tonight. But Monday evenings are the day when everyone shows up to assuage the guilt of a weekend of excess. I needed to get out of the house, but I don't like walking around my neighbourhood during the darker months. It's not that it's a bad area to walk per se, just some of the pavements never seem to have been incorporated into the grand plan by Main Roads for some reason - and the street lights leave a lot to be desired... but a dog makes every obstacle to walking seem insignificant. I don't have a dog, 3 cats - and they're not fans of walking on the lead... so I borrowed my neighbours gorgeous staffy - a boy called Spud and he took me for a walk tonight.

It was a good idea when I thought about it this morning after the comments I mentioned earlier.

I really didn't want to go when I arrived home tonight and saw the gathering clouds. But I got changed, picked up my keys and my phone and went knocking on my neighbours door. And this is where the vitality I mentioned earlier kicks in. Show a dog his lead, mention the W word and it's as if all his christmases have come at once. He's excited and can't wait to get out there and explore. Every tree, bush, lamp post - and once those have been exhausted - it's off to find the next one. I tell you I can't remember the last time I had that much fun while out walking.

Now I am not saying we should go out and pee on all the trees and bushes in our lives - but we do need to share some of a creatures enthusiasm for life.

What's the alternative?

You tell me - but I think of a slug

With great bouncing hugs for a wonderful Monday

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Everything matters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/14/2013 12:43:52 PM ----- BODY:

When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves
Steve Maraboli


A colleagues husband is away at the moment. He spends a fair bit of time on the road due to his job, and in this particular case he is away from most things. In fact it could be argued he is in the middle of nowhere - what can we say except there is a LOT of desert between places here in Australia, and Western Australia in particular it seems. This also means accommodation is a bit hit and miss.

He phoned to see how his new furry 40 kilo "baby" was doing - and his wife said they had both slept really well - vet visits notwithstanding. That's good, he says I didn't...

In the early hours of this morning a young child was "carrying on" as my mother would say. Rather than find out what was wrong and quieten the child down one of the parents also "carried on". Apparently it was enough to waken the deceased, not to mention their fellow hotel guests.

They had no thought of the consequences. They had no consideration of the repercussions of their actions. But my colleagues hubby was impacted by them - and yes, not in a good way. He had, had a not particularly good day to that point as it was - but we won't talk about the impact of delayed flights and those that go via obscure places to get to even more obscure places. But like I said - that's Western Australia for you.

We may think that our actions cannot and do not impact on others

They do - all the time. Everyone has someone who looks up to them.

And everything is noted.

I am sure when you were in school by the time the 3rd week of the school year had rolled round you could mimic the teachers, especially those who had eccentric behaviour. I won't begin to tell you about my teachers - OK there was this one guy, French teacher who pinned a kid up the wall by the throat for taking the ... and yes I am being serious, and I can tell you because he is no longer around. And yes I am probably that old...

And so it is with everything. Everything we do and say is noted.

Make sure what you do and say is worthy of repeating in a good way :-D

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Build a life, don't live one. Find your opportunity and always be sexy. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/16/2013 01:31:27 AM ----- BODY:

I am always amazed when I get a glimpse into the real world of those people we see on the big screen, and today was no exception. I'm not sure if it was because he had the opportunity to play Steve Jobs that caused him to be honest, open and utterly humble - but it certainly made me think.

Ashton Kutcher's acceptance speech at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards covers three things during the speech, plus he shares who he REALLY is

1) Opportunity - looks a lot like hard work. He said "I have never had a job that I was better than..."

2) Being Sexy - the sexiest thing in the entire world is being really smart and thoughtful and generous

3) Living Life - everything around us that we call life is made up by people who are no smarter than you, and you can build your own life...build a life, don't live one. Find your opportunity and always be sexy.

Watch the entire speech here, it's worth the couple of minutes of your time - believe me

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Time to think outside STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/19/2013 11:09:39 AM ----- BODY:

Albert Einstein is purported to have said "the significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them"

Have you noticed that we often go around in circles, always it seems coming back to the same conclusions...

Why?

I feel it is because we are receiving the same kinds of stimulus. We talk to the same people. We go to the same places. We eat the same foods. We watch the same kinds of programs on the television and listen to the same kinds of music. How then can we expect to reach different conclusions if we are constantly doing the same things in the same way?

I think Mr Einstein also said that was the definition of Insanity - you know, doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.

A couple of suggestions as you go about your day:

When you are getting dressed in a morning, try putting on your clothes in a different order. If you always put your socks on first, try putting your undies on first instead. Do you clean your teeth before your shower or after? Change your route to work. Make yourself think. So much of what we do is automatic - we forget what it's like to do something different, or at least in a different way. As you challenge your behaviours in small ways, you can begin to spot ways of changing the bigger items - or you should if you're paying attention.

What have you got to lose? Apart from maybe the odd sock or two

With different thoughts for a Monday

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What are your strengths? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/21/2013 12:16:43 PM ----- BODY:

In your strength lies the opportunity to be humble

I never say that I am a better writer than anyone, goodness knows I've been told so many times that my words suck big time, but I keep on writing. And the strength to do that keeps me moving forwards.

I never say that I am stronger than, fitter than anyone else because I know that a lot of it is subjective, I have enough fat overlaying my core to light a hundred candles - but I keep on training, because I know that if I can - then so can everyone else, regardless of excuses. Believe me I know them all.

Nor do I say I am a better librarian, marketing person, training coordinator or web mistress - because

Because I always know that I always have something to learn.

But I do have strengths - just like you do.

Mine is the determination that I will not give in. Sure enough I laugh first ... you want me to do THAT ... then I think about it, and work out what I need to work on. The last one involved a fit ball, rolling it out using my stomach, putting my hands on the floor so my body was supported by my arms and my lower legs - which were still on the fit ball ... push up, then drop a leg off to each side, and back up ... you've got to be kidding me... great fun even though I didn't master the technique the first time.

I apologise for using exercise to illustrate a point or two - but I am sure you will agree the thought of me face planting after getting it completely wrong is completely delicious. And that is the point. We are always, ALWAYS learning. The trick is to recognise that we probably won't get it right the first time and to accept and work on it while playing to your strengths.

You see if we were all brilliant at the same things, life would be utterly boring.

Play to your strenghts, but never lose sight of what you still have to learn

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Start small and keep going STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/26/2013 10:44:10 AM ----- BODY:

Once a month I have a day at home - always a Monday which makes a long weekend for me. That means I can get all the normal stuff done on the weekend, and more importantly I can get more interesting things completed on the other day.

Today I finally got around to uploading the software for a negative scanner I had bought some time ago and had never used. For those who have no idea what I am talking about, I am talking pre-digital pictures, and 35mm film, of which you had the negatives from which the positives (AKA the print was produced). I had lost a lot of my prints to water damage, so I had bought the scanner so I could go through the negatives to find the pics of the kids growing up, and goodness knows what else. The first set of negatives I found included a birthday party for my daughter aged about 8. Pics of them in front of the Queen Elizabeth 2 - the cruise ship when she happened to come into Fremantle Port and pictures of a girlfriend who died a few years ago in a road accident in Europe. And that was just 1 set of films. Memories, and not all of them are going to be good :-( but you get that.

The project itself will take months, but I knew I had to take the first step and today was the day. I know that it also means getting into and cleaning out my walk in closet (an interesting Australian invention which means you don't have to buy wardrobes) at some point in the not too distant future. But that in itself is a good thing. As a Virgo I hate clutter, my clothes are color coded by function - I kid you not. BUT even my own space gets messy and in need of a sort out now and then.

Do you remember a few years ago I set myself a challenge to clean and clear 100 groups of things in the 100 day challenge. I even took pics of the process - http://www.motivateme.info/discarding-100-things/ if you want to remind yourself. It seems like I need to challenge myself to do something similar this year. Yes we are getting scarily close to the last 100 days of the year again (22nd September FTW) eek. And time to reload the challenge if you're in.

Sometimes you have to grind through the work at the beginning.
Sometimes you don't.

But if you never start, you'll never know

Action step:
Find one item you have been putting off and take the first step today. Mine took about 30 minutes. Find the scanner, load the software, read the instructions, find some negatives, save the files ... the rest will take months probably, but every set of negatives is one step closer.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Blast the negative STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/28/2013 10:54:08 AM ----- BODY:

No I don't mean swear at it ...

When you consider we are surrounded by negatives all day, it can be hard sometimes to be positive... The Political campaigns (esp here in Aus ATM), news stories, Australian radio, reality TV, crime shows, gossip - you name it, I bet most of what you hear every day is predominantly negative. Which is why I am very selective about what I watch, read and listen to. And I would urge you to do the same, because if all we hear is negative stuff how on earth can we let the good stuff in to our lives?

So I want to blast the trend and ask you this:

What is 1 (one) good thing that occurred today?

Even on the worst of days there is always at least 1 good thing that occurred.

Focus on that for a moment. I like to write mine down and keep a notebook on my desk for that purpose.

For me it is simple things like:
* A smooth run to the office
* A Nice chat with colleagues
* Positive interactions with people on my social network
* A great cup of coffee
* A day when my writing goes well, Or
* I have a wonderful business / training program idea

And when I am struggling to remember the good things, there are 2 strategies I use.

1: I re-read my notebook
2: I exercise. I primarily use the mindfulness technique of walking to quieten my mind. I like to walk alone and without music, and as I walk I pose myself a series of questions.

What is bothering you exactly?
What can be done about it?
What strategies can you use?

Sometimes the answer is nothing, it is out of my control, which begs the next question - why are you spending useful time on worry?
And we do that, don't we. Worry about things we have no control over. What people think about us, what the weather is going to do, what will happen tomorrow, he said, she said, worry, worry, worry.

Action exercises:

1: Focus on the good things that happened to you today - repeat daily
2: When you find yourself worrying about something, ask yourself the questions, then take yourself off for a walk. Walk off the worry, then work out the strategies to overcome the problem - if required.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Ah-ha I get it now STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/02/2013 01:29:14 AM ----- BODY:

Do you buy personal development books? How many have you got? How many times have you read them?

Do you keep these daily musings?
Do you re-read any of them?
Do you make notes and try the exercises they contain?
Or do you read them and say - that doesn't apply to me and move straight on to the next item on the list of things you have to read. FYI - most of the back issues of this e-zine are on the web site if you are interested in re-visiting any - go to http://www.motivateme.info/ezine-archive

The reason these e-zines come out on an almost daily basis is this: Motivation, personal development, self-help or whatever else you want to call it, needs work on a daily basis, otherwise you will falter at the first sign of chocolate cake (or whatever your “drug” of choice is). One of the things that I have said in the past - which still holds true today - is that you can't just watch the news once a year and then expect to be fully informed of the world's events and goings on. Neither can you shower once a year and hope no-one notices the smell in between.

Personal and professional development is a commitment to yourself and where you want to be in your future. And as we said earlier your reading material and your reading habits are a good indication of how serious a student of life you are.

But a tip, don't just read a book once. If you have read a book and found it contained something useful that moved you forwards just a little bit, chances are going to be good that the second and subsequent times you read the material, you WILL find other useful information contained within its pages, and you will change and grow as a result.

You see every time you read something you have a whole new set of experiences and knowledge that you bring to the reading of the book. How many times have you had an "a - ha" moment when you've read something for the second time? I get it now. I understand that better now, oh I see what he was getting at when he said that. Yes that's relevant to me this time around. Yes I understand and I am going to...

Most people reading this would have read and/or probably own a copy of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich - how many of you are rich as a result of reading that book? Not many, including me I have to say... why aren't we rich? Why didn't it work for us? Other people have read it and have gotten rich as a result. So what is the difference? They took what they read and they applied it to where they were in their lives at that moment. Sure it may have taken several reads before all the bits fell into place, but they didn't read it once and decide they weren't going to bother reading it again because they knew everything there was to know. They took the suggestions and they saw what worked and what didn't. Then when they read it again, along with whatever else they were reading and applied those disciplines too, they were able to move forwards. Tiny steps, great leaping jumps, but as a result they moved on, they reached their goals and then they set new ones.

If on the other hand you read a book, say that you will apply those things to your life so that you can make a difference to the way your life turns out...but then put it back on the shelf and pick up the next one. How long is it before you forget that you were going to try something different today? The answer - not very long at all.

Take a good look at your reading habits and stop treating your personal development as a hobby. In order to break through the procrastination habit you have to act as well as think about acting. MOTIVE + ACTION = MOTIVATION. What are your reasons for wanting something, and what are you going to do today to reach that "something".

Kind Regards

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivational Tip – Exercise: Walk as if you are late for an appointment STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/03/2013 07:13:48 AM ----- BODY:

If you want to get more out of your walking as exercise routine, then walk as if you are late for an appointment. You know that slightly out of breath feeling we get when we know we're going to be late.

The slightly faster speed gets us into the fat burning zone much faster, and of course walking faster for a long period is a great way to boost your overall fitness levels and get a toned butt and legs as well.

If you swing your arms you add an upper body workout to the plan, or why not try carrying a backpack – add a litre of water and use it to strengthen backs and shoulders at the same time as well as something to re hydrate you as you walk.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Staying motivated when your are down STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/04/2013 11:29:29 AM ----- BODY:

Colds, flu (including the male variety) and a whole host of winter illnesses have bothered my friends and colleagues this year. This is in fact the only time almost everyone I know has gone down with same, at the same time ... it's been interesting to say the least.

My own version has been lingering for 6 weeks and is still manifesting in rather interesting ways. Today for instance the sore throat and ear ache I had at the beginning is back again *sighs*

Please pass me the tissue box.

For those of you in the northern hemisphere, you are about to go into Autumn and Winter. We in the southern are hoping for a decent spring before the heat of summer arrives.

I know, it is hardly motivational is it. But that is the point - you do what you can, regardless of the circumstances. I know if I failed to cook dinner, clean the house, wash clothes and towels the kids in my household would be a little grumpy. Yes they do their share of the chores, BUT mum is still there doing stuff. Same with work.

We can all use a million excuses, all of them valid for not doing stuff. I would offer this advice to you

Do what you can, when you can, regardless.

And that will ensure you are doing more than most everyone else who succumb to the excuse syndrome.

When everyone else is screaming RECESSION you are finding people with problems and offering them solutions, solutions they need and are willing to pay for.
When everyone else is down because they insist on believing the government, the officials, the "grown ups" are responsible for the way our lives are turning out - we are out there saying no, that's not the way it is or should be...

Rest when you need to, but while you are resting, get ready to take advantage of the gaps in the market for those who can't be bothered

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You need to start from where you are STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/09/2013 11:37:27 AM ----- BODY:

You need to start from where you are:

Are you happy with what you have?
Are you happy with what you look like? The weight you are? The clothes you wear?
Are you happy with who you are?
Are you happy with the number of clients you have / the grades you are getting / the money you earn?

Most people (and I used to be the same) want to change something because they don't like it. They don't like the weight they carry around. They don't like the money situation they are in. They don't like being unfit. They don't like...
How unmotivating is it to begin a program of change when you dislike what you want to change!!!

I hate my weight and now I've got to deprive myself of the foods I like so I can lose weight - BUT when I do then I will be happy.
I hate my job, sure it pays the bills but I need more...
School sucks. I know I need to study BUT ...

Can you see how messed up that kind of thinking is?
Can you see how nothing will change if you are thinking dread / pain / negative all the time.

I've changed the way I think about things.

I know I need to make some changes. That is one of the constants in this life. We are either changing for the better or we are changing for the worse. Rarely do we stay still, because all around us is change.
But I start my change process from being content with where I currently am.

I'm not entirely happy with where I am, but I am content that my previous actions have led me here. And I know now that my actions today will take me to a new place tomorrow. I am content with that. But I don't beat myself up. I don't berate myself.

And neither should you ... start from where you are.

As Steven Wright once said - everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time

Best

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Releasing negativity STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/11/2013 11:31:50 AM ----- BODY:

This time of year is quite an emotional one for many people:

Today of course is the anniversary of 9/11 - and of course the aftermath that continues
Yesterday was the worldwide suicide prevention day - which is a rather difficult day for me in so many ways because the 10th September also marks the suicide of my younger brother. September 10th is also 3 days before my birthday. My brother committed suicide 3 days before my 21st birthday - which happened to fall on a Friday. Yes - Friday the 13th was my 21st birthday. Mum held the party anyway and we celebrated life, love and death - I remember wearing white - which if anyone who knows me now will find most odd. Last year I was able to finally come to terms with his death through the help of a spirit medium and I am finally at peace with where he is...

And yes, you guessed it - my birthday this year also happens to fall on Friday 13th :-) We are going away for a few days to recharge the batteries.

For those of you who are struggling, I came across this beautiful short video explaining EFT or Tapping, and how it can release negative energy. I've been doing some work with the technique over the last couple of days and can attest that I feel much better as a result. The video is just a few minutes long and well worth your time to learn.

Best

Elle

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/06/tapping-therapy-iyanla-vanzant-healing-exercise_n_3542898.html

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't give up on your day dream STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/16/2013 12:38:43 PM ----- BODY:

"Don't give up on your day dream"

We found that quote over the weekend ... and I love it - because over the weekend, not only was I "celebrating" my birthday, but we were in one of THE most beautiful places in the entire world.

Yes I know we are biaised, but if you are following me on Facebook and Twitter you will have seen one or two dozen pics of the area where we were and one of the places we called into on the way up the coast to Kalbarri - the pinnacles at a place called Cervantes.

So what is my dream? Well that is my dream ... travel, seeing and exploring new things, returning to those places that touched my soul.

When I first mentioned we were going to Kalbarri, one of my contacts said "wow, you're lucky" to which I crinkled my forehead and said - actually it was a matter of planning and paying for it :-)

To top that off, we had a house on the coast (not so good when there is a major storm front going through - but hey), good food, a fair bit of thinking and writing time, plenty of fresh air and exercise - even if my knee is still complaining about the rugged terrain. It was also the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs after time in the office. So we drove back down the coast into another major storm front today, it didn't dampen (excuse the pun) the break or the spirits.

I know we have to live in the moment, we have to do what we need to do each day - BUT we also need to plan the fun times, the breaks and the opportunities to indulge in our day dreams.

Here's to a year of planning and executing those times

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Take nothing for granted STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/18/2013 11:49:37 AM ----- BODY:

"It was still a beautiful morning, so I walked. Any day could be the last of life or liberty, so small pleasures were always worth pursuing"
Lee Child, The Affair - Chapter 64

Imagine for one moment you could not move
Imagine for one moment you could not see
Imagine for one moment you could not hear
Imagine for one moment you could not speak

We are given so much, yet we take so much of it for granted.

Don't

Lives can change in an instant

The diagnosis we were not expecting
The accident we didn't know would happen
A loved one takes his or her own life
A child is stillborn

We have a choice, we always have a choice. We can choose to accept and do nothing but complain, or we can accept and use it as a stepping stone to a better "us"

As you know my brother committed suicide
My mother is partially blind and due for knee replacement surgery in a few weeks
My niece is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer at the grand old age of 22

It makes me think, it makes me wonder, it makes me grateful I can do something (I hope) to make a difference.

With more than many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers.

If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 2 days before the 100 day challenge begins STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/21/2013 06:22:39 AM ----- BODY:

In 2 days time we are going to be into the last 100 days of 2013

Now that statement can either scare you - heck it scares a lot of people because they equate the end of the year with Christmas ... But for those of us who are focused on something a little more than just gift giving and time off with family, it can act as a motivator.

What have you achieved so far this year?
What have you failed to achieve?
What did you want to achieve before the end of 2013?

Well today you have a choice, you can continue as you are, or you can join me on the 100 day challenge.

BUT

We are going to be doing things a little differently this year ...

This one is an opt in only.

If you want to join me, you MUST email me at [email protected] with optin 100 day challenge in the subject line - and the reason you want to be part of the challenge. Now, apart from the cost of the workbooks (which is optional BTW) this is fr** all it needs is your commitment. This will be the last time we will offer it FOC. So your choice, join or not ...

The Daily Dose will continue as normal, but my challengers will be given a whole new set of challenges, thoughts and options to consider - so are you ready to be challenged?

Let me know if you are in

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day Challenge Begins Tomorrow STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/22/2013 05:42:16 AM ----- BODY:

Thank you to everyone who has already opted into the 2013 100 day challenge. Congratulations on taking the first step to a better YOU.

For those who have not yet joined, and would like to join the challengers, you need to email me with OPT IN in the subject line, with the reason why you want to join the challenge in the body of the email.

The question is - do you want to finish the year on a stronger note?

Tomorrow we begin the 100 day challenge. Yes, there are only 101 days left in 2013

If you are willing to challenge your current behaviours
If you are willing to challenge your beliefs
If you are willing to challenge your actions

Then I would love for you to join the challenge.

Remember, if you don't opt in, you won't get the program

Go on I double dare you - email me

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: What's in it for me?
---------------------------
Do you have a kindle, or the kindle reading app? If you do and would like to take a little bit of inspiration with you wherever you go, you can now get your copy of

What's In It For Me?

The complete and edited version of the last 100 day challenge program in book form :-)

You can get if from - http://www.motivateme.info/motivate-me-bookstore

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Running out of time STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/23/2013 08:04:04 AM ----- BODY:

We are up and running.

Day 1 of the 100 Day Challenge has just been posted out. You have until midnight tonight to opt in should you want to.

Why am I still harping on about the 100 day challenge?

Well it doesn't cost you anything to join this year's challenge. But the results will be priceless.

And

"The next 5 years will be the same as the last 5 unless YOU change"
Jim Rohn

We should also apply that to the next 100 days. Are the next 100 days going to be the same as the last 100?

Now you might be doing OK, in fact you might be doing extremely well. BUT if you don't continue to change, do things differently - guess what you are not going to grow, you are going to start going backwards. Because everyone else is surging ahead, and I don't want you to get left behind.

Remember every day you spend is one less you have to achieve what YOU say is important to YOU.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's taken 19 years... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/25/2013 11:05:42 AM ----- BODY:

I don't normally post messages about "organised" sport, but today I have to ...

I work in the port city of Fremantle, Western Australia. 19 years ago a team was created based in Fre-o, they called themselves the Dockers.

Their chosen footie code is Australian Rules (when I first saw the game played - bear in mind I am from England, I said - they spoiled this game with RULES!) and for most of those 19 years they were the laughing stock of the league. They won the wooden spoon. They choked on what could have been easy games, but for quite a few of us, well we had hope that one day they would stick it up the pipes of everyone who doubted them.

It has taken 19 years, many coaches and players but with a loyal fan base - that said, we believe in you.

Last Saturday they made their very first grand final and this Saturday they play the game of their career to date.

19 years to finally achieve a dream.

So:

Don't be afraid of a setback.
Don't be afraid of failing
Don't be afraid of ridicule

Because you know what - sooner or later YOU WILL WIN

Lets make it sooner

Best

Elle

p.s. GO FREO
p.p.s. my English teams are Leicester City (soccer) and Leicester Tigers (Rugby) - the former haven't done so well especially recently, the latter - well, they've won their fair share of trophies ... and yes I was born in Leicestershire

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Importance of the random STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/30/2013 04:37:15 AM ----- BODY:

Importance of the random: keep brushing up against people, books, experiences we don't yet know what to do with.
Alain de Botton (@alaindebotton)

How can we grow if we don't?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Get out of first gear STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/02/2013 10:49:18 AM ----- BODY:

How much effort do you put into a task you don't want to do?

How much effort do you make if that something you have to do, is something you HAVE to do?

Lets face it, most of us live life on auto pilot, or put another way, we rarely get out of first gear. And yes I too can be guilty of that sometimes.

Except when I am excited, when I am desperate to do something, when I am passionate about living my life because of what I am creating.

Then I want to shift gears, then I am pushing myself harder than ever and I can hear the engine that is my life moving faster, and not only do I want to shift gears, I NEED to shift gears. I can't live my life in first gear anymore. First gear is holding me back, and if I'm not careful I will blow up my engine because I need to shift gears and I'm not.

If your goals aren't exciting - get rid of them. Start again. You are not doing anyone any favours by living below your creative level. Go back to the first 2 questions and measure your goals against them. Do they measure up or do you need to go back to the drawing board?

Oh and when I say creative, I don't mean painting or writing unless those things are what you are passionate about... and if you are passionate about them you should be doing them anyway ...

But living life creatively no matter your chosen task or profession.

You can tell someone who is living life passionately - they seem to live and breathe it, they don't have to tell you, they just are. It doesn't matter if they are a road sweeper, a window cleaner or a lecturer in astrophysics - when they love what they do - IT SHOWS.

Is that you?

Is that me?

Live life passionately and lets move out of first gear

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Breaking it down to get ahead and a challenge update STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/06/2013 07:56:16 AM ----- BODY:

Today is the only day we need to worry about.

I know we all have BIG goals, big ambitions and things we want to achieve - but it is what we do TODAY that is important.

Have you done all that you can today to move your projects forward,  or are you going to be so far behind schedule you are going to need jump leads to get going again?

No matter what your project is, break it down into such small components it would be ridiculous if you didn't complete it.

For example, we can't get the body we want overnight - it can take months and years of hard training to get a physique worth taking your shirt off for. How do you get that body - you train as hard as you can TODAY. Add in the correct foods in the correct quantity today, and you will get there faster but it will still take time, hard work and dedication.

There is no way I can weed my entire garden in a single day - apart from the fact that we are coming out of winter, we have spring showers and the combination of the sun and rain means the weeds are loving life at the moment. But I only have a finite amount of space in my bin. So every week I work on a single area and will continue to do so until the job is complete (aka never). We can learn a thing or two about persistence from weeds let me tell you.

Nor can I write an entire book in a single day, but I can write a couple of paragraphs or a chapter or two if the words are flowing.

Nor can I clean out every single drawer / cupboard in my house - but one a day - yep that's easy enough to do.

No matter what your goal is, if you break it down into small enough pieces you can do amazing things - over time.

Have you done all that you can today?

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenge
---------------------------
And yes today's message should have said Day 14, not Day 13 ... did you notice?

How far we've come in 2 weeks - well done to all my challengers, I am so very proud of everything you have achieved so far.

And I will admit, it's not been an easy 2 weeks. I have set myself and my challengers some interesting tasks over the last couple of weeks - but the results have been amazing - and we are only at day 14.

BUT It's not too late to join if you really want to change and hit the end of the year having made some massive changes. BUT be prepared for quite a lot of homework because your fellow challengers are 2 weeks ahead of you.

Are you up for the challenge?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Putting my money where my mouth is... talk about karma STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/09/2013 01:41:23 PM ----- BODY:

Today's challenge looked at Continuing Personal and Professional Development. I love how synchronicity works... as I was preparing to send this over my lunch break, I received an e-mail from a colleague, did we want to go to a presentation tonight - yes tonight - to discuss educating the 21st Century Information Professionals. So I rsvp'd and a few hours later I am sitting in the lecture theatre at Central TAFE (http://www.central.wa.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx) FTW

As you know I am great believer in passing on our skills and knowledge to the next generation and the people who follow us. Be it professionally or personally. We are role models in so many ways and discussing ways to pass on our skills and knowledge sets is vital, in as many different forums as we can.

Napoleon Bonaparte said "the graveyards are full of indispensable men" add in women to that quote and it pretty much sums up most of our professional lives. We think our roles are so important we give up so much to be at the office. And then we find out ...

* Our jobs are no longer relevant
* Our skills don't match the skill sets required
* Our technology cannot cope with the requirements of the people who need our services
* We are trying to do more with less
* We are trying to serve more than one master - as per tonight's discussion - university courses are dependent on numbers, funding, university requirements and government dictates, and sometimes it makes for a less than ideal learning environment. But we must continue to learn, so we can in turn pass on what we know.

Just a quick addition to today's challenge - and challengers I didn't ask you to do this, but if you could that would be fantastic.

Based on your current skill set and knowledge, could you apply for the job you have always wanted to have?

It will mean a quick trawl of some job sites, download the application and see if you can answer the questions.

Would they hire you?
Could they hire you?
Would you want to work for them. One of my long standing contacts today told me about the questions for a particular company - they wanted to know if the candidate intended to have children, and how many had been terminated ... yes that is in today's working environment ... one of my old lecturers answered that question by saying she wanted 12 children and she hoped they also asked that question of the men who had applied... modern company, archaic procedures... needless to say my lecturer of the time, and my current associate said they would not work for a company like that.

I know this is going to open a can of worms, but that's good. We have many professions and professionals on this list. Be mindful of your company and personal ethics. Are you willing to compromise for a pay check?

Apologies in advance for the depth of this topic - but sometimes we need to talk about the hard stuff.

Oh and a quick question as we finish - based on what you were wearing for work today. If your job was on the line and you had to persuade your superiors you were worthy of retaining - would they retain you based on what you looked like? I know this is subjective, but first appearance still count today.

Best
Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How strong is your core? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/16/2013 10:47:49 AM ----- BODY:

You may be forgiven for thinking the title of today's post relates to exercise, but it doesn't - well not entirely.

The strength of our body's core is vital, that should go without saying. We should ensure we do enough core body work to remain strong, flexible and supple.

Unfortunately, sometimes we don't. But today I would like to talk about our other core areas.

those relating to:

* your core beliefs
* your core relationships
* your core business relationships
* your core behaviours

Amongst other things.

What would you consider your core areas to be?
What did you do today to work on these core areas?

Neglect can be subtle. We can choose to do a little less than we should, and what happens? Our cores start to weaken.

Don't let yours

with many thoughts

elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: There are no excuses STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/19/2013 07:04:15 AM ----- BODY:

 

 

We have no excuses - none

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Should I quit? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/23/2013 11:14:56 AM ----- BODY:

Those last few pounds I have to lose

Those skinny jeans I can just about do up

The race time I wanted to get versus just finishing
Those last few sales calls I need to make for month end

A C will do for my assignment won't it? No-one really expects me to get an A

The website I was about to launch

The book proposal I was going to send
We can all do a little less than we had promised ourselves we would do. No-one will know except us after all.
We can quit any time we like and go back to our old lives and patterns of behaviour. Everyone knows you can't keep weight off forever, and certainly not when you've just denied yourself every damn treat for months on end.
Yes we can quit.

Who will care one way or another?

WE WILL

There is nothing worse than having defeat snatched from the jaws of success, but that's what it's like - we give up too soon.

So please - don't quit, not now, not when you are so very close.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Crucial Conversations STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/30/2013 12:37:14 PM ----- BODY:

A colleague and I were at the first day of a 3 day conference today. It was long, my feet hurt, and we will be forever known as the noisy but fun ones :-) someone said we were the "special" booth...

Anyway, it's Halloween tomorrow, they won't know what's hit them :-D

We absolutely love getting out and about meeting people, talking to them, finding out what and where their problems are, and seeing if we can offer a solution. Bearing in mind that solution may be offered by someone we know in a related industry field - we ask questions, but we spend as much time listening as well as talking. Why? Because it's important. We may not be able to help them directly, but if we can point them in the direction of someone who can help them, we've done a good job.

Anyway, to us these events are relatively easy - you can usually tell who the important people are by the clothes they are wearing. I don't think I have seen so many suits in one place.

But - and here is the thing that sets my colleague and I apart from most of the others. We don't just talk to the suits. We engage in conversations with as many people as we possibly can including other vendors, conference organisers and venue staff. Because and this is key if you go to these things - you really don't know who you are talking to until you've spoken to them. You cannot turn your nose up at the guy in a pair of jeans and a polo shirt because he doesn't fit your perception of a CEO. But guess what - that's what he may be. Or he may be the guy who's there to fix the plumbing, but that doesn't matter to us.

One of my previous roles included working in the information centre for a large refinery. Apart from the worker bees who had their own uniforms of blue overalls and white hard hats (yes they were affectionately known as the smurfs) everyone else (apart from me) wore a combination of sand and khaki. Being new on the scene I hadn't got a clue of who was who on the hierarchical scale, but to me it didn't make any difference. Everyone I came into contact with was treated with the same level of respect and professionalism as the next person. You ought to have seen some of the schmoozing going on today ... yeuch, please pass me a bucket.

To us, every single person has a specific role within an organisation, and each position is important.

But we are talking about crucial conversations. Those we had today, were a lot different from most other conversations we would have during a typical day.

* What of those conversations we have with our colleagues?
* What of those conversations we should have with partners, families and children?

Do these happen?

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't - because sometimes we may think they don't matter.

For me, one of the most important questions I can ask at the end of a day is

How was your day?

And then I give the person to whom I have posed the question, the courtesy of listening to their answer and then posing additional questions to determine exact issues and problems if needs be. But more often than not, just giving the person the benefit of listening to them is perhaps the best thing I can give them.

The other question I do like to ask is

What was the best thing that happened to you today?

I ask my daughter that question on a regular basis, she hates it, because I don't accept whingeing, whining and carrying on. She has to come up with something good that has happened to her. She is a bit of a worry wort - but is getting better with asking that particular question.

Do you have those crucial conversations with your family and loved ones as well as in your working environment?

If you don't, don't you think you should?

I hope so

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Writing your own history STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/04/2013 11:52:44 AM ----- BODY:

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."
Sir Winston Churchill


* How will you be known?
* How will you be remembered?

It's an interesting proposition isn't it. We may think we are going to live forever, but the truth is - we have just a short period of time to make our mark on the world in which we live. I'm not sure of the average life span of our current generations, but lets say for the sake of argument that it is 100 years of age.

For the younger people out there who read this (thank you) you may think you have an amazing number of years to make a difference. Well that may or may not be true - to my mind the phrase "it just depends" springs to mind. To the older generations and I include myself in that statement ( I reach half way next year) we've only got half or less left ...

So, in looking at those times that have already passed are you going to be known as :

* a bad example - "do not do this" or
* an exemplary example of how to live to your full potential.

Compare Hitler or Mother Teresa for example. Both lived to their full potential, but few would aspire to be like the former, just as few would live in the same way as the latter did.

So think of it this way.

* Compare your good teachers to the bad
* Or think about the good bosses you've had versus the terrible ones.
* Or - the terrible politicians versus the ones who gave a ...

I'm sure you get the point.

So, looking at your life as it stands right now - where would your life stand on the ledger? Are you good, bad or as in the words of one of my teachers "could try harder"

Have you done all that you can or do you need to make some changes?

Only you can decide

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You have until day 50 to join in - or it's gone STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/06/2013 12:40:55 PM ----- BODY:

We are almost half way into the 2013 100 day challenge. Yes I know it is hard to believe, but there are just over 50 days left to the end of 2013.

My challengers are doing amazing things, I am in awe of what they have achieved to date.  Which is why I am offering you the chance to join them. 55 days to go, 54 if you are in the southern hemisphere ;-D

A word of warning though. It's not easy (that's why it is called the 100 day challenge) and only the strong may join. And yes you can achieve amazing things in 50 days. BUT

Are you up for it?

Or are you going to slide into 2014 with little or nothing different to the rest of the year?

Reply to this email and I will add you to my list. You will get the first 50 days of the challenge and the workbook - with the proviso that you commit your time, energy and enthusiasm for the next 50 days. A test will be applied at the end of the year... kidding :-D (maybe)

Ready to join or not - only you can decide.

No pressure

Well, not much

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can move mountains STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/12/2013 05:39:29 AM ----- BODY:

You can move mountains.

You actually can - how fast you do it, is up to you.

You can move it a single teaspoon at a time. It may take you a very long time, but every spoonful is one spoonful closer to that goal. Personally I would use a front end loader and a truck, but if all you have is the energy for moving things a spoonful at a time, then that is exactly what you use. Of course that is a rather silly goal to have, who would really want to move a mountain?

I also heard tell of a gentleman who over time ate an entire airplane. Yet again I have no idea why one would have that particular item on your bucket list, but it just goes to prove that anything is possible.

But let's consider those normal things we want to do.

We cannot hope to get rid of the excess weight we carry overnight, especially if we have a lot to dispose of - but we can reduce our body mass in tiny increments (and that IS the best way to do it).

We may not be inspired to run marathons as Eddie Izzard did without training, but we can build up speed and stamina over time and complete not just one marathon but many marathons if we choose to.

I keep my house clean and tidy by doing bits and pieces on a daily basis. When you have kids living at home it's pretty much pointless going for spiffy once a week anyway, especially if the state of my kitchen floor was anything to go by yesterday evening after it was cleaned about an hour prior to that "kids"
And every week I ensure my rubbish bin is full of garden waste. I have a large garden, it has taken me months of filling the bin each week to get to the point where I can now see great swathes of garden beds. I am getting rid of the winter grasses and weeds - but if I had to do it in one go, I would have thrown in the towel before I got out of the door. But I can manage one bin full each week because I know I can find half an hour during my weekend to get the job done. It also helps that this particular goal has a firm cannot get out of deadline. The bin is emptied every Tuesday morning, it's up to me what goes in it.

No matter what your big projects are you can break them down into such manageable chunks that it would be almost impossible not to complete the tasks.

Don't worry about the size of the goals you have - the bigger the better (IMO) because big goals mean you get lots of opportunities to refine your plan AND you get the satisfaction of seeing results on a very regular basis if you use the one bit at a time technique to goal achievement.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sock drawers STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/13/2013 12:10:54 PM ----- BODY:

Now before you hit the delete button, the sock drawer is just a metaphor

A metaphor for those places we dump stuff, and rarely sort out.

Organisations have them - they're called storage rooms, basements, attics, warehouses and other large spaces filled with boxes of STUFF. Stuff they think they should keep but are not really sure why.

You know what I mean, it's like the odd socks we hang on to in the vain hope their partner will be found lurking somewhere. When in reality we should just bite the bullet (and other cliches) go through them and throw out what is no longer needed or required.

Let's face it, it's not just organisations - we all have those same metaphorical sock drawers - stuff where we keep things we know we need to sort out - sometime. Sometimes they are physical, but more often than not they are mental. We have stuff lurking waiting for us to delve into and take action on:

* Those business plans we said we'd get around to some day
* Those books we said we would write
* Those letters we know we should have written and the phone calls that we should have made

And lots of other stuff that hangs around causing us sleepless nights and wasted days.

Your task if you are game is to start to go through those sock drawers and identify what it is you are holding onto that should be thrown away once and for all. And the other stuff that needs to be sorted through so you can move forwards.

Here's to clearing the clutter :-)

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Re-booting your personal mainframe STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits DATE: 11/16/2013 07:42:18 AM ----- BODY:

You know the old saying, if you don't do anything new or different, don't expect to get anything but the same results as you've always got... or words to that effect at any rate.

Well it's true, our minds like habits. The more habits we have, the better it is for our minds, because it doesn't have to work quite so hard.

So if we need to change our patterns of behaviour we are going to have to do something quite radical.

However don't panic, it's not that radical, but it is going to test you a little. Why? :

Because ingrained patterns of behaviour are some of the hardest to detect because they are subtle. Try swapping the hand you use to brush your teeth with for instance and you will immediately see what I mean.

Now, this particular exercise is one I gave to the 100 day challengers yesterday. Try and go for the entire day using your non-dominant hand as the lead. Now that is easier said than done because I tried it myself yesterday. but it makes you think, it also makes your brain work and it will try its utmost to go back to what it knows best. You will see yourself time and time again automatically try the dominant hand first, your task is to stop it and use the other one.

If you can successfully use your non-dominant hand for the day you will have successfully re-booted your personal mainframe. Personally mine needs another re-boot ...

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 6 ways to get more exercise into your life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation to improve diet and health CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 11/20/2013 12:51:35 PM ----- BODY:

1. Personal bests:
When it comes to exercise, if we want to improve, the first thing we need to improve upon is our own personal best. Take education as a good example of what we mean. Say for example you are in Year 10 of High School, but instead of doing Year 10 work the teacher gave you Year 8 stuff. Not only have you done the work before you will be bored rigid., and so it is with exercise. If you don't change your training, if you don't push yourself to constantly improve, you will maintain what you have at best, or worse go backwards. Now you may be happy with where you are, but I will challenge you and say that there is always room for improvement.... in some way. How can you improve your personal best?

2. Train with others:
Do you struggle with motivating yourself to exercise? Don't worry you are not alone, but there are ways to get around the problem.
Group training - book yourself onto a course, pay for it up front and you are more likely to turn up. Ditto with
Dance classes - dance is a great exercise, and all the rage at the moment is Zumba - grab a couple of mates and laugh your way to fitness.
Partners and kids - do they need as much exercise as you do? Then why not grab a ball and head for the park, or get out the bikes - or whatever. Pack a picnic and a frisbee and head for the beach. I know it's cooling down in the Northern Hemisphere - so now is a perfect opportunity to get outside and get fit in time for the shorts season next summer.

And - by including other people as part of your training routine / regime you are less likely to let them down, which means you are more likely to exercise on a regular basis.

3. Train where others train - their stories can inspire you to achieve more:
If you train where others train you can be inspired to push yourself just that little bit harder than if you trained on your own. Now this can work hand in hand with the last note - train with others, but can equally work on its own - as you know I use both "techniques" to motivate me to exercise. Where do people exercise where you are? I can find people running the coastal path, doing strength training on the beach, running hills and climbing the hundreds of steps of Jacob's Ladder. But I am always curious to know "what are you training for" and the stories are truly amazing.

4. Train for a reason:
Training for a reason means you get up and you get going no matter how you are feeling, what the weather is doing or what else you have to do today. Training is the one and only thing that should sit in the No1 spot on your to-do list when you are training for a reason.

What do I mean?

Well can you imagine getting up one morning and deciding you are going to run a marathon that day. Now unless you are Eddie Izzard who did not only that but another 40 odd marathon's in 40 odd-days you will need to train and you will need to build up your strength, stamina and you will need to build up both speed and distance. And the same is true for most kinds of sports. Rarely are we blessed with an innate ability to be the No1 tennis or other kind of player. We need to practice and we need to train for a reason. The key of course is to find your training "reason".

As you know I bored you rigid with my training program when I was in the lead up to do the Perth City to Surf. I thought it would be harder than that, I was told the hills were killers - they may have been for the runners you understand, but for us "walkers" well not for me at any rate. In the end I didn't break any records, personal or otherwise because I ended up walking with 2 other people, one of which was my walking partner of course, the other was a work colleague of hers - who was a bit older than us, and I would say not quite as fit... Now, most people gave up training after the race had ended - including my walking partner... lazy muppet. But knowing I was going to be hiking in the Kalbarri gorges a few weeks later, meant I wasn't prepared to lose my ability to run up and down hills and not collapse in a heap at the top, so I carried on. So what are your reasons to train? Once you find that out, you will never have motivational problems with exercise again.

5. Be consistent:
When it comes to exercise, consistency is important. It means you have appointments with yourself that you do not break or postpone. Imagine paying someone to train you, you've given over a good wad of cash - how likely are you to turn up?

If good health is important to you then exercise should be one of the first things on your to-do list every week. The best tip I can give you is this: It is a good idea to train on the same day / same time each week.

We need to set patterns into our cycle of thinking and doing, that way when someone says to you, why don't you come out and have drinks after work you can smile and say, if you're still there when I've finished at the gym / been for my run, I might consider coming down - but don't wait for me.

But then why would you want to waste the exercise benefits by going for a pint afterward?

Consistency doesn't mean that you have to train every day, in fact doing so could hinder rather than help - if you are doing the same exercises / set of exercises - that is. Your body needs to rest and recover. However, you can intersperse different types of exercise / routines into your week. So - make sure you plan your exercise just as you plan everything else and then stick to your plan. Sounds simple - but it really is - once you make the decision.

6. Start off slowly and rest if you have to:
If you have done little or no exercise in a while it is a good idea to start slowly. If you are considerably overweight or have a medical condition I would also recommend you having a physical from your GP before beginning any kind of program. But you can start slowly - why not walk for 5 minutes, or 5 minutes more today than you did yesterday. Invest in a stationery bike and stick it in front of the television if you have to, and cycle your way through your programs.

What would you recommend to get more exercise into your life?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Natural emulation shows us how it's done STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/23/2013 08:05:48 AM ----- BODY:

Mike and I walk several circuits of Hyde Park lakes every Saturday morning. No matter what the time of the year there is always something to stop and amaze us.

The kids playing in the water park, the parties, the weddings, the changing colours of the foliage and then there are the water birds.

This year the park has played host to a breeding pair of swans and their 4 babies. We have watched them toddle and fall over close to our feet as little balls of downy fluff, to just a few short weeks later getting ready for their next big adventure.

This morning we stood open mouthed as momma and poppa swan showed their babies what they needed to do to take off from the water they were floating on. After their take off lesson they seemed to have a feedback session. Followed by more practice and more feedback. I have never seen it before, it was amazing, it was magical.

Which of course led to our discussion about what we are imprinted with in our genetics and what we are taught by those around us... and yes the importance of feedback followed by more practice.

Try, try again, but always get feedback :-)

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be a giver, not a wanter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Law of Attraction DATE: 11/25/2013 11:07:47 AM ----- BODY:

"No doesn't mean no, it means find another way"
Libbi Gorr


You may need to get a lot of no's before you get to the yes's

However, there is a caveat.

In order to get to yes, you need to ensure you are giving first and foremost. Be it:

And all without wondering about the getting.

If you are more concerned about what you are due, what you want and what you need to get before you give - then you will definitely hear more no's than yes's

Will you get?

Of course you will, but first you need to give.

And if you don't believe me, then I would recommend the book - the go giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann - http://www.thegogiver.com/

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can have it all STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/27/2013 11:41:41 AM ----- BODY:

“You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once." Oprah

Imagine if you could have everything you ever wanted, stacked like wrapped boxes under the christmas tree - what would that mean to you?

Would you think you were lucky or just in the wrong house?

Would you appreciate these amazing gifts or would you quickly discard each one and lunge for the next?

Few of us I would imagine have had the kind of upbringing where anything we wanted could be bought or obtained for us. I know my upbringing taught me the meaning of grinding poverty and making the best of what we had. It also made us try just that little bit harder to go for those things we thought we wanted.

My daughter thought she wanted to be in hospitality - she has the qualifications to work in that industry now. It was what she had always wanted to do... until she got there and discovered the reality.
She decided she would switch to business management. Every organisation needs good business management - so a sensible decision. This week is exam week and during today's exam she came to the realisation she had taken a wrong turn and will pursue an area encompassing both aspects of her education... event management. An area I am well versed in having organised events for several organisations I have worked for. But my daughter wants to hit the big events. And that's going to take some thinking about.

She will get where she needs to be. It will take her a few twists and turns to find her niche, but find it she will. But would she have appreciated the end result if she hadn't gone through the process she has been through? I doubt it.

How abou you?

Are you waiting for Christmas morning and those gifts to be handed to you, or are you going to dig deep and go for what you want.

Best
Elle

p.s. on my christmas list is a ...



---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't wind down for the end of the year STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions DATE: 12/02/2013 12:53:38 PM ----- BODY:

This may seem like a radical suggestion, but I would like to challenge your thinking regarding that point on the calendar that marks the end of one year and the start of the next.

Every day when the clock ticks over at Midnight it signals the end of another year. Think about it, it's been a whole year since December the 2nd was last here.

So why do we set so much store by December 31st?

Yes I am talking about those New Year's Resolutions we all like to set come January 1st of each year.

If you start today working on those items on your list, you will be 29 days into your personal program of change by January 1.

Now, here is a second radical suggestion. Take just 1-3 things you say you want to change. If you try and do any more than that and you are likely to fail.

As your new patterns of behaviour begin to settle into your current day-to-day routines, then you can think about adding an extra item or two.

Easier said than done?

It depends how badly you want something. Because if you think about it, if you want something badly enough, the date doesn't matter.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Who will you let down if you don't show up and play your part? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/05/2013 05:35:09 AM ----- BODY:

If you work for yourself, the answers could include:

Then there are those people within every organisation who show up to get their attendance allowance. They do the minimum possible and it shows in their results and the results of their organisation.

Or take sporting activities - can you imagine if a member of your team showed up and couldn't be bothered to give it their all?

I have started walking a 5km circuit 3 times a week. By the time I hit the asphalt at 6.10am there are scores of people out. The worker bees in their suits racing to get the best parking spots because they just have to get into the office at ridiculous o'clock. The cyclists, the runners, the walkers who insist on exercising their jaws just as much as their bodies. I tell you, if everyone was as motivated with things on their goal lists as those who spend their walking time gossiping about who did what to so and so, the world and those in it would be a much better place.

But there are a group of people who are not only out and busy at 6am, but they've been out for about an hour prior to that. There is a boys school on the circuit I walk. It also happens to back onto the swan river and this school uses the river to train their rowing team. Singles, doubles, quads and 8's all on the river. The boys range in age from 12 - 18 and they are coached by several dedicated and motivated teachers and assistants. Every day there are words of encouragement, suggestions on improvement, and most importantly as I heard yesterday morning - relaxed competence. "Drop your shoulders, heads high, keep pulling together and you will win". Every person playing their part.
These boys and their parents would be up around 5am, their training over by 7, and everything and everyone showered and ready for a normal day of lessons by 8.

Can you imagine if any one of those boys decided not to show up and play their part?

Well out there, in the "real world" it happens all the time. And because we can get away with it - or so it seems, we may be tempted to try and do a little less tomorrow.

Are you going to show up today and play your part or are you just going to ... well you know?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Oh I know Cheryl STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/11/2013 11:42:20 AM ----- BODY:

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices."
William James


I love that quote, and it was the first thing that came to mind when i overheard a conversation between 2 women this morning. Normally these can be a source of fun, but this morning:

WHAT

To be honest I have no idea what the conversation was really about because they were talking over each other. Now it could be argued I suppose that these two women were good friends, and good friends can and do finish each others sentences.  But these two weren't doing that. They were not listening to each other, they were talking at each other ... with the much used word "yeah" throughout each sentence to indicate they needed to make a noise and pretend they were indeed having a proper conversation. it wouldn't come as any surprise to me when they got to their respective houses, and when asked what they had talked about - the answer would probably go along the lines of - oh well, you know - the usual.

There is an old commercial where one woman gives the phone to her parrot to continue the conversation ... http://www.youtube.com/v/gXDMoiEkyuQ the quality is a bit ordinary, but you'll get the point.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sharing part of today's challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/16/2013 12:28:22 PM ----- BODY:

Today marks just 15 days left to the end of the year. You might have gathered that just by the date of course, but I just wanted to remind you.

That said, the latest 100 day challenge has been running now for 85 days, and the results have been outstanding.

But it is also time to take stock and be realistic about what we can do during the last 15 days of the year.

Today is get real day:

Be Specific – you have 15 days to go with your challenges, what can you finish?

Is it Measureable? How will you know if you have succeeded?

Is it Achievable? Given how fast our days pass, are your challenges achievable?

Are you being Realistic?

And we know what our current Timeframe is.

Remember we are not looking beyond the end of the year, not at this stage.

When most people are winding down for the end of the year, I want you to kick into higher gear because the finish line is just around the corner.

You are already finishing on a high note, let’s finish this in style.

Ready, set … achieve

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Make time for you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/18/2013 11:45:42 AM ----- BODY:

This isn't called the silly season for nothing.

Everyone seems to need your attention, your input, your time. Add in your normal chores, duties and responsibilities and it can seem like you are forever at someone else's beck and call.

I know the following is going to be easier said than done in most cases, but it is important.

You must make time for you.

I don't care if that is a five minute soak in the bath or a half hour walk listening to nothing other than the sound of your breath and the feel of your heart. In fact if you could do the latter followed by the former, you have just set yourself up for some very serious RnR in amongst the hustle and hoards that constitute this time of year.

One other thing I would recommend is making sure you have enough sleep. You can't expect to work hard every day if you don't get enough rest and more importantly sleep.

Go through the calendars, weed out anything that doesn't inspire you, or isn't obligatory and if anyone asks, just say you're already busy at that time. Yes you are busy with you :-)

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Seasons Greetings STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/24/2013 09:25:04 AM ----- BODY:

I have a hard time feeling festive when it is hot. Thankfully, this year in my part of Western Australia we are being blessed with slightly less than boiling temps. Even so, the thought of putting up christmas trees and decorations in 30+ heat is just plain wrong. But this year, I thought, what the heck and did it as my normal tree putter uppers are working 10-12 hour shifts every day, so that last minute purchasers can do their shopping. Anyway...

Less than 2 days later, my once pristine tree lists, it's propped up with bricks holding the base down and the decorations - once neat and symmetrical - I even went and bought new ones for goodness sake - are now...

What can I say, cats and trees, even indoor ones just don't mix obviously. My kids bless them did their best to right the feline wrongs, but miracles - not this year. Yes I could have bought another one, but ...

My once vaguely motivated self really can't be bothered. If it wasn't for my not so little ones (the eldest wanted trifle for pudding tomorrow can you believe!!!) I would have probably hidden until such time as it was all over.

Bah humbug? Well almost.

The presents are almost all wrapped, the house spiffing is underway - why when there will be paper all over the place tomorrow is beyond even me. But...

Ah what the heck

I know some of you don't celebrate tomorrow, but for those who do, I hope you've been good. For those who celebrate at other times of the year, I hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow whatever you do.

Me - I'm going to lie down in a quiet, darkened room for a little while

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Leaving the old behind STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/29/2013 05:58:30 AM ----- BODY:

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind”
C.S.Lewis


As we move from 2013 to 2014 and a new year full of possibilities. What are you going to leave behind so you can create a better future?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Happy New Wednesday STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/31/2013 03:07:18 AM ----- BODY:

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882), (attributed)


If that applies to each day, it stands to reason it also applies to each new year.

Let's begin the new day / year on high, knowing that what lies before us can be a magical adventure, or just another plain old boring Wednesday

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Get your copy: The 100 Day Challenge: Life change program and action workbook
---------------------------
2014 is here - Do you want to improve your chances of success? Take the 100 day challenge - it can change your life

http://www.motivateme.info/challenge/

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be the best you can be today - then repeat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/07/2014 12:47:12 AM ----- BODY:

I'm sure you've read countless emails and e-zines telling you how 2013 is now over and regardless of how bad / good it was, 2014 can be even better because all you need to do is ...

I know I have, and I can tell you at day 6 of the new year I am getting a little ticked off by people telling me all I need to do is... and usually for a small investment of ... Yes you can buy as many books and programs as you have money for. But unless you decide to make some real changes to the way you live your every day, then all the books and programs in the world won't help you.

I will say that again - how you live your every day - regardless of what the calendar says, that's when the changes begin. That's when your life starts to become exciting.

Don't get fazed out by January, it's just another series of days ... be the best you can be today, and repeat every day ... and you will succeed faster than anyone else I know.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What will success look like to you? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 01/09/2014 12:39:02 AM ----- BODY:

I know it may seem a little hard to believe but today is the start of the 2nd week of the new year.

So it is time to get specific.

One of the first questions we ask in the 100 day challenge is this:

At the end of [insert your own time length here] what will success look like to you? Now that may be the end of the month, 100 days, 6 months or more likely the 31st December as we seem to have a fixation on the calendar.

Choose your time length and answer the question:

What will success look like to you?

* What will you have done?
* What would have happened?
* What make you tingle now when you think about those kind of successes?

You could of course offer generalities to those questions. Well I"ll feel great, have lost some weight, gotten fit and maybe started my own business.

All well and good, but let me assure you, you will achieve a great deal more if you know and understand the details and intricacies of your goals. A word though, you actually don't need to know how you actually get there, as in the individual steps you need to take (not at this stage at least). All you need to know is that once you start on your personal journey the road ahead will reveal itself.

Think about it this way.

Imagine you live in London and you need to get to New York - how many ways, routes, modes of transport will get you to that point?

Answer - lots.

Let's face it you can canoe down the Thames and half way around the world or you can catch a plane. Or you can get on a scheduled tour or for arguments sake hitch hike or swim - it doesn't matter how you do it, just that you do.

Most people get phased out by the details, you really don't need to know those details - you just need to know what you want.

* What do you want?
* What will success look like to you?

If you haven't already, it's time to get a little smarter about planning your future :-)

Best

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Peter EMAIL: IP: 202.72.152.180 URL: http://www.petergreensails.com.au DATE: 01/09/2014 12:43:21 AM Elle, I've just worked it out ...

I’m on day 9 of the 100 day challenge.

Things have gone almost exactly like you suggest they would, bit of a roller coaster.

A few days ago I realized that I needed to change the way I was setting my goals some were small stuff, others bigger but I could see I was not really going to get to that real change point unless my goals were set differently. Up until today’s email I tended to set goals with the how will this be done thinking and this was factored in to the level of difficulty of goal attainment. Hence I was setting goals that I knew with better / whatever/ work practises or more effort to complete tasks, organization etc., they would be reached. This gives you a nice feeling of reaching a goal but I needed to be put out of your comfort zone.

Most people get phased out by the details, you really don't need to know those details - you just need to know what you want.

So that line form today pretty much sums it up.

I guess I need to aim higher and not worry about how to get there.

Thanks for the 100 days, it has given me a real focus.

I’ll let you know when I land.

Regards,

Peter Green ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What do you do when inspiration doesn't strike - 10 suggestions for you. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/15/2014 11:52:46 AM ----- BODY:

We ALL have those days, those days when you struggle to get out of bed in a morning. Those days when projects don't seem to be going anywhere. Those days when not only do you want a bar of something sweet, you could eat an entire warehouse full and still not be satisified.

So what do you do when you have days like that?

Well, there are a lot of options, and here are just some of them.

Now, some of them may work, some of the time. Some may work all of the time. But you have still got to be wiling to give them a try.

1. Walk - this one is a favouite of mine. When my mind is going in circles I try and put it on the back burner and hit the asphalt and walk. Depending how messed up my head is will determine the length of the walk. But 6-10km's tends to be the average for me.

2. 5 minutes - I can do anything for 5 minutes - well except maybe the plank exercise, where I usually face plant after about 90 seconds. But with most everything else I make myself a deal. If I can do something for 5 minutes I can usually break through the "don't want to do it" mode. And if I can't - then I give myself permission to move onto something else. But I have got to give it 5 minutes.

3. 30 minutes - no breaks. It can be almost impossible to get through 30 minutes without something interrupting that time - but that's a good chunk of time to get involved in your projects and goals if you can do it. The trick here is to switch off the distractions before settling down. For me those distractions are telephone, email and social media. Even better if I can get into the office and get stuck in before the office warms up for the day. But if I need to boot something off my desk then I try the 30 minute rule. And it usually works long enough for me to get through it.

4. Turn on the music - to me music doesn't mean the radio, it means music, sometimes with lyrics mostly without. Once my mind is tuned into something else, I can usually find the wherewithal to get stuff done.

5. Audio programs - including podcasts, interviews, downloads, training programs. There are thousands out there, and if I need to drown out noise, these audio programs really do help me get my thinking straightened out. Will they help you? Who knows, but if you don't try then you will never know.

6. Clean something - Like with walking, getting out of the mind and into the body can be a great way to sort out the niggles. This is the time I do the filing, shift stuff around, clean drawers. I can get a lot of cleaning and clearing done when I am in the inspiration doesn't strike me mode.

7. Read something - If I've been stuck in technical mode all day I head to the fiction section of my collection and read a chapter or two. It's a great way to reboot my brain.

8. Drink water - this is a twofer - one I get off my butt and into the kitchen so I am moving, and secondly I get to rehydrate. Something I would say most people need to do more of.

9. Annoy the cats - this one I can only do at home and can find a cat to annoy of course. But as I have 3 it's usually quite easy. It's summer and they are moulting so I find the brush and give them a little therapy while I get my own. You may not be a parent to a fur child, but if you are - they can help put things into perspective. Sometimes the little things are most perfect things. Or should that be purr-fect things.

10. Phone a friend or family member. This one can be a little difficult for me because of time differences, but if all else fails, and it's convenient I call and catch up with someone I haven't spoken to in a while.

You may notice I didn't offer the - eat something, watch something or do nothing options. While they may be valid at certain points / times of the day, I prefer using one of the other options first.

What do you do when inspiration doesn't strike and you need it to?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your destiny STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/21/2014 01:10:07 AM ----- BODY:

It's choice, not chance that determines your destiny.
Jean Nidetch

What are you choosing to do or not to do today?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Using travel time un-productively STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/22/2014 10:47:54 AM ----- BODY:

Travel time can be tedious. We might have books, e-books, i-things and droids to keep us awake as we tootle to and from wherever we need to be. BUT, lets face it, even the seasoned travellers amongst us, who do happen to use our time effectively keeping up to date with what is happening in our industries, or learning new skills - it can still be a chore now and then.

As you know I like to mix things up when I travel - different routes, different times and if I can use public transport (which I don't very often due to my schedule and destinations) then I like to be nosy. And believe me there are times when I would like to use London Underground because someone who does has taken the signage to a whole new level.

http://fotozup.com/fake-signs-in-london-underground/

p.s. there are a couple of normal ads in the list of pics - see if you can spot them amongst the brilliant frippery.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Know when to slow down STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/25/2014 06:29:12 AM ----- BODY:

"Creativity requires leisure, an absence of rush,
time for the mind and imagination to float and wander
and roam, time for the individual to descend into
the depths of his or her psyche, to be available
to barely audible signals rustling for attention.

"Long periods of time may pass in which nothing
seems to be happening. But we know that kind of space
must be created if the mind is to leap out of its
accustomed ruts, to part from the mechanical, the known,
the familiar, the standard, and generate a leap into the new."

~ Nathaniel Branden

Find time this weekend to slow down, stop the normal rushing to do, and just allow yourself to be

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Speaking of dribs and drabs STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Overcoming procrastination DATE: 01/29/2014 10:58:46 AM ----- BODY:

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?

Or is it drifting away in dribs and drabs, of failed starts and do-overs?

As I say to my challengers, it's normal when you begin a program of change to have false starts and attempts, especially when you are moving out of your zone of comfort.

But what if that is your "norm"?

You think you are moving, but in reality all you are doing is a slow spin and yes we get to the end of each calendar year and wonder "how on earth did I get here again?"

It is the start of week 5 and really it is time to stop deluding ourselves if indeed we are.

At the start of the year I made myself a promise. I was going to clear one "forgot to remember to do" job and all sorts of other "put off til I had the time tasks" each week.

Start of week 5 and so far I am ahead.

* I've had a new watch battery fixed - it's a nice piece of jewellery and if I hadn't had a mobile that could tell me the time, maybe I would have gotten round to it sooner.
* I've cleaned out the fridge - you'd be surprised at what you find stuck at the back when you have kids.
* I've geo-tagged a map of our next road trip around the USA - took a bit of learning how, but hey if you're not learning ...
* I've cleaned out my spare room and found the spare bed, recycled a boot load of stuff and
* I've done my admin (at least for the time being).

And a couple of other things as well.

Having sat down and worked out those other pesky jobs that are just sitting around waiting for the relevant house elf or gardening fairy to sort out, I have got at least one job for the next couple of years if I only complete one a week. (All help gratefully received BTW). And that is what I intend to do. Just one pesky job a week if that is all I can manage. Given some of them are daft things like, buy the cat a new collar, I may get to other things during the same week as well, who knows. But I figure I can complete one pesky job.

So, how about you?

Are you off to a flying start in 2014 or are you spending your time on dribs and drabs that really don't matter, and if you are, what are you going to do about it?

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your new months resolution STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 02/01/2014 06:50:34 AM ----- BODY:

Welcome to February.

We all know that goals should be

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic and
Time bound

but have you thought about using a single calendar month to set and measure your goals by?

As a block of time it is quite useful. 28 days. 4 specific weeks starting today.

How much can you achieve in a single month? Well my challengers know how much they can achieve, but do you?

I had a time limit on a number of my goals. That deadline was 12th March. Why the 12th March? Well that is the date we head to the airport for 3 weeks of travel and there are a lot of things I want to have accomplished by that date.

When challenged this morning by my partner whose idea this was, I decided to shrink my timeline and see if I can achieve my current set of goals in 4 weeks, not 6 and a bit. It puts just that little bit more pressure on.

So if you too are up for a challenge.

Divide your current annual goal by 12. Are you 1/12 of the way through to achieving this? You should be if you are working on them diligently. But say you have missed your monthly goal so far. You now know what your target should be - and you know your knew timeline - February 28.

Specific - What do you want and WHY do you want it?
Measurable - what numbers will you need to achieve your target?
Achievable? Well, that one is up to you. We do tend to misrepresent what we can achieve in a specific block of time. But have a go, you'd be surprised.
Realistic? Only you can tell. And only you know how much work it will take to achieve your goal.
Time bound - deadline is 28th February

Ready, set? Challenge is on.

And as an incentive I will offer one person the chance to win a copy of the new 100 day challenge program and workbook. Sorry to those who already have a copy, if it's you I will think of something else to torture you with.

To be in the chance of winning, you have to tell me what and you have to prove it to win it.

It's up to you

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Decisions, decisions, decisions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/05/2014 12:20:13 PM ----- BODY:

I didn't shop for groceries on the weekend because I wanted to use some of the stuff we had. But I knew that if I didn't shop today, I would have to make some interesting choices

So - Do I shop for groceries on the way home or do I get take away?

If I shop for groceries do I buy the quick and the easy or do I buy the ingredients?

When I get home do I stand around and complain about life, the universe - everything - or do I just accept that some things just are and ... ?

The kids have eaten, do I succumb and take the easy option or accept that had I bought take away the money would have been wasted...

I finished a full day of work, and on the way home ...

I shopped for groceries, I cleaned another part of my walk in store cupboard (pantry) tonight while cooking dinner for one. And I teased the kids because they had opted for rubbish rather than the wholesome food with fresh ingredients I had fetched and cooked for dinner tonight. But that's OK because there are leftovers for tomorrow now :-)

I know it's past 8pm as I sit and eat my dinner while I write this, but that's my choice.

That's what life is - a series of choices, some good, some bad, some we may not know whether they are good or bad until quite a way down the track. You see teeny decisions may not seem like much at the time, but those teeny decisions added up, over time = massive change. For good or bad.

The choices are always ours to make

With many thoughts and time to hang out the washing :-)

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sometimes the only way to get the right result is to do it yourself STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/08/2014 08:25:44 AM ----- BODY:

We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.
Frank Tibolt


How do you start a fire? You start a fire by first creating a spark, then you add some tinder, and eventually with enough fuel it becomes that fire. But you need to create that spark first.

I never really want to go to the gym, but I also know that being fit and healthy is not something I can delegate. Sure I can hire someone to do my exercise, but all that happens is, not only will they have more money, they'll also have a better body. So I go, and I do what I need to do. I tell myself that I can do the short routine if I really can't manage the longer one. But it is rare that I stop once I have gotten going.

Some days I don't feel like writing, so I play word games. I'll look up a word in a dictionary, or I'll find one of my many inspirational books - quotes, diaries, journals, books by people I return to time and time again. It works. The cadence of the words I am reading inspires my own mind to begin.

Take action, no matter how small and big results will follow, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. But come they will. People often forget that even small movement is still movement.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How do we fail? Let me count the ways!! STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 02/12/2014 11:29:28 AM ----- BODY:

Failure is not a single, cataclysmic event. You don't fail overnight. Instead, failure is a few errors in judgement, repeated every day.
Jim Rohn


Every time we ...

You get the idea I'm sure.

How do you succeed?

I think you know

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
--------------------------
My current challenge update:
---------------------------
I began my latest 100 day challenge on January 1st. Straight after the last one finished.

My current challenge is to clean and clear the clutter that litters my life, and to attempt to read 100 books or more. To force me to sit down once in a while...

You can read more at:
http://www.motivateme.info/100-day-challenge/2014/2/11/my-latest-100-day-challenge.html

---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Life's a gas (with apologies to Marc Bolan for that) STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/15/2014 07:21:17 AM ----- BODY:

Before I get into today's message, just a note about yesterday.

I hope you enjoyed Valentine's day with your loved ones. One question though - why do we need a single day to remember to say the words "love you" to those people we say we care for?

There are 364 other days in the year when those words will mean as much if not more than one day in February that probably has little or nothing to do with the saint himself. Do me a favour, do your loved ones a bigger one. If you love them - tell them no matter what the day is.

Anyway:

Today's message is brought to you courtesy of a sign in Perth's City Farm cafe. It said:

Tig Fart - Yum!

It was a sign next to the cashiers when I was ordering breakfast this morning. The reason I didn't take a pic was a simple one ... it made me hitch the corners of my mouth, but didn't make me smile per se. I had a keyring for a long time that said "FIGJAM" so I was used to that kind of sentiment.

But the looks on the faces of the kids, grown up kids, and predominantly the elderly who stood pointing and giggling away was worth a pic or two had I got the chance to record the moments. What is it about toilet humour that has even the most staid amongst us hiding an embarrassed giggle behind our hands.

And that is what I want people to remember as the day to day drudgery gets to us. Life is predominantly what we make it. And for those people this morning who will be sniggering and tittering away at that simple message all day, it was priceless, it was funny and in the words of Marc Bolan - Life's a gas.

Oh and BTW - the Fig Tarts did love delicious.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Progress STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/17/2014 12:10:27 PM ----- BODY:

"Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb."
Sir Winston Churchill


Don't ever get discouraged. Progress is progress no matter how small the movement

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Desire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/24/2014 11:26:04 AM ----- BODY:

Desire! That's the one secret of every man's career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire.
Bobby Unser


Desire is important, if you don't want something badly enough then the desire for that is never there and never will be there.

But if the desire is strong, then nothing and no-one will stop you.

Of course, we can desire both good and bad things. Our desire for chocolate cake, cigarette, drugs and alcohol can be just as strong as the desire to go to the gym, keep fit and eat healthy foods.

While desire is important, I feel we should focus more on the why.

* Why is chocolate cake important as part of your overall diet, why now?
* Why is having another cigarette when you are trying to give up smoking?
* Why is going for a walk with your spouse important when all you want to do is sit on the couch and eat your way through a tub of ice cream because you've had a bad day...

There are a million reasons as to why. And those why's are unique to us. But the stronger the why, the easier it is to use desire to our advantage.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You are one person and you can make a difference STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/26/2014 12:29:05 PM ----- BODY:

Remember the guy in Tianamen Square as he stared down the tank?

Remember those authors who toiled away at manuscripts alone in the dead of night? No? Well think of people like Stephen King, JK Rowling, a friend of mine by the name of Claire Boston who has just become a published author in the romance field, and then there is me. It's way past 8pm and I haven't finished work for the night. Can I rank myself in the same category as Mr King, Ms Rowling and Mrs Boston? You betcha I can because I know what it is to taste defeat and to keep on writing, keep on trying, keep on working night after night to hone and master my craft.

Or consider those sports people we like and admire - how many of those do you think decided enough was enough and hung up their boots? That's right you wouldn't know them if they had now would you.

We as individuals can and do make a difference every single day.

* The single mum who takes cares of the kids and ensures they have a good education, healthy diet and a loving home environment
* Ditto the single dad who does the same
* The person who believes strongly in their business proposition, they work non stop to achieve their dreams.
* The scientists who make those breakthroughs we tend to take for granted once the medications are on the market
* And consider the winter Olympics that have just finished - 4 years of practice in the hope of a podium finish and preferably taking home the gold. Talk about dedication.

People talk about overnight success - there is no such thing. What most people who envy those who supposedly have had overnight success don't realise is the amount of nights, days, weeks, months and sometimes years it can take to become that overnight success. The difference between success and failure are the nights we spend doing what others aren't willing to do.  Are you?

* Make time for your dreams
* Make the effort

Because we as individuals can and do make a massive difference every single day - because we can, and because we want to.

It doesn't matter what our field of expertise may be. It is where we know we can and do make a massive difference that counts.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Happy 8 hour working day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/03/2014 09:04:43 AM ----- BODY:

Today is a public holiday in Western Australia. "Labour day."

It was granted to all Australians to commemorate the granting of the 8-hour working day. But WA is the first state to celebrate this particular holiday, the other states and territories celebrate their 8 hour working day on other days of the year. Ho hum.

I can't remember the last time I worked an 8-hour day, or a 40 hour week for that matter. My kids work ridiculous hours because they work in retail, and it was worse when they worked in the fast food industry. And I know we as a family are not alone, which rather makes a mockery of this public holiday.

Have I worked an 8 hour day today? Not yet. Because I am working from home and I don't work 9-5. I even plan my procrastination by interspersing household tasks with my writing ones. But over the course of the waking hours I will spend more than my fair share of time at the keyboard.

Why wouldn't I take some time off and do what most everyone else is doing today if the guffawing and alcohol consumption is anything to go by?

Because it's an enforced day off.  And more importantly I only have 9 days before I get on a plane, and take some planned time off. Consequently I have a lot to do.

If you want to get on, will you do an 8 hour day or will you do whatever you need to do?

I think we know the answer. So to all those who aren't "celebrating" today, I wish you a happy un-8 hour working day.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: It's the little things repeated every day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/05/2014 12:00:48 PM ----- BODY:

"Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn’t going to get the job done."
Jim Rohn


it isn't what you do once in a while that will make the biggest difference, it is what you do, day after day, week after week and yes, year after year that does.

* Do you have a regular schedule for exercise?
* Do you make a regular appointment with your health professionals to ensure you are firing on all cycliners?
* Do you make regular appointments to take care of your personal grooming?
* How about making time to update your professional development?
* How often do you clean your home?
* How often do you schedule down time?

All of these things may seem like normal, ordinary things to most people. But ensuring these kinds of things are completed on a regular basis ensures we have the solid foundation to move forwards into new areas...

Take care of the little things and you will always find time for the new and exciting

Best

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The end is nigh STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/08/2014 07:21:15 AM ----- BODY:
Proper deadlines are vital. Those are the dates / times everything has to be in place or else.

Friday the 7th of March marked the end of one phase of my year and the start of another (but I will tell you about that later). It also marked the start of the 2014 Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, where the sculptures are planted in the sand or sunk into the surrounding grassy areas for people to walk around, admire and photograph.
I was there at 7.30am as one of the roads into work can pass that part of the coastline - and I took it, because it will be the only time I will get to see the exhibition this year.

As it turns out I was fortunate to speak to one of the artists. He created one of my all time favourite pieces a couple of years back (below), and this year's is equally impressive and also huge. Pic to come.

He told me he'd been working at the beach for an entire week so he could "plant" his steel poles, and when I spoke to him he'd not had any sleep for over 24 hours because he needed to get his piece ready for the exhibition opening.

So why was the 7th March so important for me?

I'll tell you another day. But if you want to take a look at the sculpture, there are some pics on my facebook page. You can also see some of them on their official facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sculpturebythesea

Have your goals got a proper end date? They should, they're important.

Best


Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 364 days since the last time STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/12/2014 01:30:27 AM ----- BODY:

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu


That single step was taken a couple of years ago when we decided to take our first road trip around part of the United States. This year will be our third such road trip and each one has seen more and better planning prior to the trip taking place.

It is now 364 days since we embarked on our last trip. And yes we are finally getting excited. All the planning that could be done, has been. But we know that those plans still have flexibilty. Can you imagine being a couple of miles away from something you've never seen before only to find there isn't space in your timeline to make the detour.

No, the detours are important, because we know we can reach our goals regardless of the detours we make.

You see, each of those outcomes are based on the hotels we are staying at, on the right day and at the right time. Plus there are other things we have booked already. The vortex tours in Sedona, dinner at the London, West Hollywood, Karaoke in Tucson (apparently) and a trip to the Reagan Presidential Library - and that's one we do on the day we land :-)

And you can apply those goal setting tips to any goal. Know what the end result will be, then break down the steps you need to take to reach it. Sounds simple, and really it is when you think about it.

And yes we know that we will be making notes about what worked, what didn't and what we hope to take in the next time we take off, so yes the planning will start again.

But and here is the thing, none of that can take place without ensuring everything else is in place too:

    The kids and cats are taken care of
    The bills are paid in advance or scheduled
    The neighbours know
    The bank knows
    Money has been saved, transferred and everything that has been booked has money to pay for it.
    And of course, our businesses run on schedule.

And we did all that by - yes you know, planning, preparation and of course taking action, knowing that if any of those elements weren't in place - well things could get a little problematic.

Remember - everything impacts on everything else.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Live life to the fullest STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/17/2014 02:02:00 AM ----- BODY:

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"
Helen Keller

As you know we are on our daring adventure.

I hope you are following me on Facebook so you can see the pics and the posts :-)

And I do hope you are living each and every day to your fullest as you move ahead with attaining your goals

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Start as you mean to go on STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/15/2014 02:31:59 AM ----- BODY:

Today's daily dose: Start as you mean to go on
---------------------------
I find that the way I start my day has a profound impact on the rest of it.

With a caveat

I also make sure that what I do the night before can help tremendously.

These are all simple things for sure, but it means I don't go to bed worrying that I might have forgotten to do something.

So when the alarm clock goes off it's a simple matter to get up and get going.

Get ready, spiff the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, feed the cats, pick up the bags, car keys and away.

Ensure the little things are completed and it can and will make a huge difference to your day

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Add life to your years STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/17/2014 11:29:04 PM ----- BODY:

There are many ways to add life to your years. Here are just some of my favourite ways

What are the ways you add life to your years?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: There may be no regrets with a hand made life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/25/2014 03:50:04 PM ----- BODY:
As you know we are travelling through some rather interesting parts of the United States. Because of the mileage we are doing we sometimes opt for convenience. But when we get the chance to stay a couple of days in a particular place we prefer to go for an authentic experience rather than the pre-packaged, doesn't matter where you go in the world kind of place.

Tonight is night two in downtown Santa Fe. Our home is ancient Adobe,complete with creaky floor boards, a hobbit style doorway to the shower and an amazing fireplace. Given that it's down to almost freezing tonight I can tell you how welcome that is. The fireplace that is, not the doorway to the shower :-)

And then I can compare that to those convenient hotels we stay in en-route, they may have all the amenities but lets face it, we could have those experiences anywhere in the world. I don't want that and I hope neither do you. But we see those places everywhere we go, and we see those who decide to choose those places to stay and I hope that one day they will also decide to walk the path less travelled.

But our unique holiday comes with a lot of planning, a lot of prepration and a willing to go with the flow regardless of where we find ourselves.

Today we found ourselves just 7 miles out of Santa Fe in the snow covered mountains of the Hyde National Park. Every turn of the mountain saw the temperature drop by a couple of degrees until we were almost at the snow fields of the skiers and snow boarders where we turned around because we didn't think to pack the snow jackets. And yes I will be posting pics to Facebook as soon as I can charge my camera battery. But - just 16 minutes away from our adobe abode we are in the mountains. I am in heaven.

As you know I am a great believer in making sure I get away from the day to day mundane to create what is for me a hand made life. Unique to me, but I don't want to get to that designated end line having regrets.

And I hope you have none either.

Here's to a unique to each of us, hand made life.

Best

Elle

--------------------------

Let's Connect:

---------------------------

http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Putting Life into Perspective STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/31/2014 09:16:51 PM ----- BODY:

A few days ago we were in Monument Valley. It had been on our itinerary last year but we had missed it due to road closures and not enough space in our schedule to take the hours long detour. At the time it was disappointing. I thought that if that was my only chance to see it (given we do a different route every year), i've pretty much blown it.

Thankfully Monument Valley wasn't the only place we missed out on last year, so we included them into this years tour. More importantly it was planned in such a way to enable us to stay in the park itself rather than the fleeting visit it would have been last.

Our aptly named hotel "the view" was designed in such a way that every room had it's own balcony all facing the ancient rock formations. Never content to sit in our room, even with a view dreams are made of, we made our way outside into the frigidly blowing air to see the sun set. Legend has it that John Wayne enjoyed one particular spot so much the hotel balcony now occupies the same space and many people now enjoy the same view as he did.

You do have to take opportunities when they are presented to you. It was almost freezing, the wind icy, my ill prepared packing had missed out on hats and gloves, so layers were the order of the evening, and even though it would take me the best part of the rest of the evening to warm back up again, I would not have missed the experience for the world.

And to mark the turning of day into night and back to day time, we were up before the dawn to witness the changes in the celestial realm yet again. The moon with Venus by her side in the inky darkness gave way to the warmth of the spring sun and yet another day of people arriving to marvel at one of the wonders of the world.

If you have never seen Monument Valley in person and want to get an idea how small and somewhat insignifcant we are - imagine people the size of ants wandering a vast and ever changing desert landscape and you might just have an idea.

We too, took the steep and extremely bumpy road into the Valley to experience first hand the scale of the landscape. I have a photograph taken from John Ford's point where I am standing on an outcrop of rock with the monuments in the distance. You have to know it's me though, that's what I mean by putting our lives into perspective.

Yesterday, having moved onto Sedona, we went out on a Jeep tour with a company called Earth Wisdon. Our guide, a well known gentleman by the name of Larry Spragg was explaining how most people are aneathestized to what is around them. They fill their lives with TV and radio babble, cell phones and computers. They do play a part in our lives it is true, but most of us live out our lives never fully appreciating what it is we are part of. And how even the smallest change can have a massive impact.

For those of you who know Sedona, will know it is reknowned for the vortexes in and around this area. Larry took us to one place called Mystic Vista where the energy of the turning earth had shaped the ancient juniper trees. Junipers grow so slowly that when they grow near an energy vortex the entire tree turns with the earth as it grows. Growth is so slow a juniper not much taller than I am can be hundreds of years old. Time and energy can and does create amazing results.

Put your own personal development growth into perspective. Never be afraid of making small changes, they all count in the end.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What isn't cultivated - dies STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/07/2014 04:38:57 AM ----- BODY:
The last night of our road trip was Palm Springs. We had driven through it at the beginning of the holiday and was pleasantly surprised at what we saw. We'd heard conflicting stories how the place was full of ageing people just waiting and / or how it was now an up and coming hip place full of youth and vigour. Turns out it was actually both. But for me that wasn't what made it fascinating.

Palm Springs has been carved out of the surrounding desert. An oasis if you like. But, and here is where it becomes fascinating. You can see immediately where the irrigation starts and stops, and when it stops, the desert begins again. No grey areas, it is pure black and white - well technicolour actually but you get my point.

Water an idea and it grows, don't water and it shrivels and dies.

Something I think we can apply to any of our own dreams and goals.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Define the term normal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/13/2014 09:27:06 AM ----- BODY:

I've been back just over a week, and it's been hard to readjuste to "normal" life after our amazing road trip.

But time away does highlight some interesting things:
1) Do you enjoy doing what you are doing - that includes everything from the cleaning though to your working life, or do you need to make some changes?
2) You see more easily what you had become accustomed to and those things that need fixing up or sorting out. 
3) You need something to look forward to otherwise you will find yourself slipping back into your ruts and routines faster than you can say habits.
4) Make time to go into the silence. The silence is whatever your own quiet place happens to be, it just needs to be away from everything and everyone. As you know, I walk - but I find mindless cleaning and sorting also works especially if there is no-one else in the house. It allows my mind to wander, to process and to come up with ways to get creative, to think, to wonder, to chip away at those thoughts that keep me stuck.

I've done a lot of all of the above this week and I can tell you there are some major changes around the corner.

It's time to let the next chapters unfold.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Live a good life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/21/2014 11:54:10 AM ----- BODY:

“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.” Marcus Aurelius

Tis a very apt thought for today, given the reason for the long weekend we have just experienced. I just hope we can all say, regardless of what we have achieved, that we have indeed lived a good life.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Wake up and smell the coffee STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/23/2014 12:24:18 PM ----- BODY:
You cannot take things for granted, because as Jim Rohn quite eloquently said it "Life is short, even at its longest."
But what I want to talk to you about today is the little things, because it's the little things we need to be concerned with.

The days we don't exercise vs the days that we do.

The days we don't eat healthful foods vs the days / meals that we do

The days we don't speak kindly to our partners / children because we have other things on our minds vs the days when you decide to take time out and be there - and I do mean be there in mind as well as body. Come on you know exactly what I mean. There are days when things are worrying you. You're at work thinking about home, or more likely, you are at home thinking about work. Well let me tell you something - work will always be there or as Charles de Gaulle said "the graveyards are full of indispensable men" - and yes women too. Well your family may need you now, not when it's convenient for you. 

Today is wake up and smell the coffee day.

Don't take anything for granted, not even the coffee.

Be mindful of your words, your actions and your reactions

And take a moment or two to realise just how lucky we really are. Seriously we are, so very lucky. A couple of days ago we were walking down the beach front at City Beach watching surfers on their boards waiting for the perfect wave. Just a month ago, my partner and I were in the USA part way through our annual road trip, and good friday we were in the Western Australian Monastic town of New Norcia. Blessed? Absolutely.

Seriously, when you begin to take the little things for granted (the coffee) you may just take the larger things for granted as well.

One sentiment "don't" you just don't know how long you have


Best

Elle
---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sometimes you just need to play cat soccer STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/28/2014 12:16:42 PM ----- BODY:

MotivateMe!
Providing Strategies to Overcome the Procrastination Habit with a Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine
---------------------------
In This Issue:
---------------------------
* Today's daily dose: sometimes you just have to play cat soccer
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 28th April 2014
---------------------------
Now before you call the RSPCA, I don't mean playing soccer using cats, but playing soccer with them...

I have 3 felines, a brother and a sister and a 2 year old "baby" by the name of Cooper. And Mr Cooper Fallon-Lovett when he's being v naughty you understand.

Tonight for whatever reason they all wanted cuddles and lots of attention. It didn't matter that I had work to do, dinner to cook, laundry to fetch in etc etc. Nope - they wanted attention and my evening plans had to be put to one side so we could play. My choice of game you understand, so I found a stress ball and cat soccer ensued. To see a cat concentrate is quite interesting. And -

Sometimes you just have to let your own plans take a back seat and allow the kittens in your life to take over.

I really don't mind, they are great fun, even when they are being v. naughty.

And before you think I have lost the plot - seriously, sometimes you really do have to let your plans sit idle, especially if they are stuck, and just live a little. I find my best work comes after a period of complete silliness and / or silence. Try it if you are feeling stuck.

Speak soon

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Dealing with life's ups and downs STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/01/2014 05:54:08 AM ----- BODY:
Have you ever seen a rainbow?
No it isn't a trick question, but something to ponder.
In order to see a rainbow you need a certain set of conditions to occur.
Life is like that sometimes. In order to achieve great things, sometimes you have to visit with adversity for a while.
Another question to ponder.
Have you been coasting for a while or have you been forging new paths?
I do feel that in order to understand and appreciate the highs you do need to have experienced the lows, how else would you know them apart? 
There are many highs and lows, and they are unique to each of us. 
They can be quicksand or you can use them as a springboard to bigger / better things. You can accept the diagnosis or you can ... you get the point. 
It is up to us how we react to life. And lets face it, if we didn't have the ups and downs, we would have the flat line. 

Next time life throws you a curve ball, look for the rainbow

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A life of infinite possibilities STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/06/2014 01:41:29 AM ----- BODY:

"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." Steve Jobs

I'm sure we are all guilty of allowing routine to cover a good proportion of our lives. Routine on one hand is good, it means we remember to do the laundry before we run out of undies, and eat meals on a regular basis so we don't go hungry. 

But what happens when those routines no longer serve us? We really don't want to get up and drive all the way into work to sit doing the same things we did yesterday and all the yesterday's before that. Nor do we want to go on holiday to the same place, but because we know it, feel safe going there, we book the same spot in the camp site for the same 2 weeks the following year telling ourselves - well it's a break.

As humans, we have infinite capacity to change. Our lives are not pre-determined as say a tree's existence would be pre-determined. We can choose to move, we can choose to be - anything we want. A tree on the other hand...

However, if we think about the way we live our lives - most of us might as well be that self same tree. 
In a life of infinite possibilities it does make me wonder why we keep doing the same things in the same way until we reach the stage in our lives that might as well say "ad lib til fade" because if we keep on doing the same things, we will always get the same results - guaranteed.

Yes we have a certain need for security. Job, house, family and so on. But around all of that we do have an infinite capacity to change. To do amazing things, yet we don't.

Why?

As I mentioned earlier a lot of it comes down to security. We need to feel safe, we need to feel part of something bigger. Forging new paths can be frightening, and it may seem like we are doing it on our own - which is why not many of us dare to do it. So we stay in the same house even though we don't really like the neighbourhood and the commute to work is horrendous. And as for that job with the long hours and terrible money, well it is a job isn't it - pays the bills - just about.
So how do you break out of this cycle?
One thing I would suggest is this -  when you are faced with a decision between two things, go with the bolder choice.

You may not be able to make massive changes overnight, but you can take small steps that will eventually lead to massive change. All you need to do is make a decision and take action. 
Tiny steps, but goodness me how liberating will it be to hand in your letter of resignation and move to a much better position. Exciting too, gosh you can feel the butterflies starting up already.
It's important to step outside your comfort zone occasionally. It may be as simple as choosing a different thing from the menu or it may be as complicated as deciding to retrain so you can move into a different working area and away from what you have always known. 
Or you could continue as you've always done.
But if the world is full of possibilities - and we know it is, why would you choose to stay the same as you have always been.

Best
Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Today is the day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 05/08/2014 04:03:02 AM ----- BODY:
Every day we begin anew. It may not seem like it if we feel like we've been here and done all this before, but it's true. It's not the day as such, more our perception of the day and how we can use it to improve our lot in life.
What would your day be like if say for instance, you woke up and realised you no longer worked for a company, but yourself. Would you languish in bed waiting for the motivation to strike. Or would you pull the covers over your head because you were afraid?

If I were to hazard a guess you would have been up, and up earlier than if you had to drive to your old place of employment. And not only would you be up, you would be at your place of work (ie home office desk) earlier. You wouldn't break for chats and coffee, or spend time checking out what was on the news websites. Nope, I would hazard a guess you would be up and at it, raring to go forging your future one phone call at a time.

Now translate those feelings into your current day. Anywhere near the same level of excitement?

How can you make your current day seem like a brand new venture?

As I said, it comes down to perception. You can create the environment you want to work in.

And you can do that every single day:
Those simple things will ensure your life begins anew each and every day.

If you would like to know how to get more from each day - check out our 100 day challenge - http://www.motivateme.info/challenge

And don't forget there are a lot of resources to help you in our downloads page - http://www.motivateme.info/downloads-and-free-stuff

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Say it every day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/12/2014 01:19:13 PM ----- BODY:

Mother's day, father's day, secretaries day, thanksgiving, valentines - you name it, there is a day for it. Now I am not against the day per se, I thought I would pose a question: 

Why do we need reminding to say thank you, love you, hope all is well with you, when we can say those words every day?

Love you all, thanks for being part of this amazing phenomena that is Motivate Me!

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When inspiration doesn't strike STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/17/2014 10:03:27 AM ----- BODY:
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

In other words, just start doing whatever it is you aren't inspired to do and the inspiration will follow. No really it will.

If I don't want to write, I sit down with a pen a notepad and start with where I am and what I am doing. Once the words start to flow, I return to the computer and start writing.

And if I ever don't want to exercise - aka all the time, I'll make myself get up and do something physical. If I am at home that may be weeding a garden bed, scrubbing floors, cleaning a cupboard, vacuuming floors. I tell you sometimes it's easier to go for a walk or hit the gym than clean the house :-)

Whatever it is you don't want to do, give it a few minutes - but try and start that something in a different way and see if inspiration doesn't strike.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Start where you are, don't wait for everything to be perfect STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action DATE: 05/22/2014 06:50:20 AM ----- BODY:
This is perhaps the core message to people who put things off... that is, procrastinators everywhere.

You cannot wait for the perfect moment to begin something, all you have is right here, right now.
Tomorrow can and will take care of itself. It's what you do today, right here, right now that makes the biggest difference.
It may sound overly simplistic - but that simple success is key. Once you can see that you are making progress you will definitely want to continue.

Success thrives on activity.

Success also thrives on being better today than you were yesterday. So, yesterday didn't go as well as you had hoped, today you know that, so today when you start with where you are, you are ready to try a different strategy.
Best

Elle
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Handing the challenge baton to you STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/28/2014 11:55:55 AM ----- BODY:
Today's task is a simple one, especially if you do this anyway *gold star*

Today I would like you to count your blessings, yes every single one of them:
  • Do you have a job?
  • Do you have money?
  • Do you have a home?
  • Do you have a family / partner you can count on?
  • Was the sun shining?
  • Was it raining?
  • Did you eat today?
  • Did you catch up on your social media via your smart device?
We can and do take a lot of things for granted, I know I did.
Our cars run, we can afford to buy fuel, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with our family before putting on our choice of clothing and heading to our particular place of work (be it school or the "office"). If we have friends who give a damn and other amazing things that make each day so special, so unique, so...

Why don't we appreciate what we have and say a very big thank you. Like I said, some / most of us do this to a certain extent anyway. I call it "because I can"... Today I want you to outdo me - because you can. My cousin did that, so let me explain.

I phoned her a couple of weeks ago, I do that now and again. She takes the time and keeps a tab on my mum and her other now single aunts. Except, she was in the middle of having her hair cut :-) but she took the time out and spoke to her cuz down under ... today I got a card in the mail thanking me for calling her. Yes an honest to goodness hand wriiten card - I do it sometimes, especially to those family members who don't have a social media account. Makes my day, and I know it will make theirs. So yes my cuz  managed to out do me, and I am so proud of her and because of that, I want to hand the challenge baton to you.

You know the amazing thing about saying hello and thank you, the more you will have to say thank you for. it's true and if you don't believe me, try reading the book 365 thank you's by John Kralik. It changed my life.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The 10 commandments of leadership - lessons for everyone STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Business Philosophy CATEGORY: Leadership DATE: 05/31/2014 04:55:07 AM ----- BODY:

But I'm not a leader Elle.

If you have people who look to you for anything - kids, grandkids, colleagues, team mates, then I do feel you - just like everyone else has a responsibility as a leader. So, square your shoulders and understand:  

1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered (including me). Love them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the littlest people with the littlest ideas. Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9. People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have and you will get kicked in the teeth. Give the best you have anyway.

What would be your biggest leadership lesson you would like to share?

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Lenny EMAIL: IP: 60.230.255.222 URL: DATE: 06/05/2014 04:38:54 AM One of my leadership lessons I like to pass on is '...if you tolerate it, it will continue.' This can apply to both good and bad, and is something that has helped me during my long career that I will soon be retiring from. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Brian EMAIL: IP: 60.230.255.222 URL: DATE: 06/05/2014 04:39:35 AM Those who are the most difficult to lead usually need to be lead the most. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What is the number 1 thing I can help you with right now? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/05/2014 04:35:38 AM ----- BODY:

"In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these"
Paul Harvey

So that being said:

It is always worth remember that on our own we can make many changes, but together we can achieve so much more. That is why I am always advocating mentors, meetings with like-minded people, finding a coach for an area where you feel you are lacking. But just for today I'd like to know how I can help you take that next step.

I shall look forward to hearing from you

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Imagination needs moodling STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/08/2014 12:23:41 PM ----- BODY:

So you see, imagination needs moodling - long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering.
Brenda Ueland


We live in an ever increasing dog eat cat kind of world. Everything is rush, rush, rush. Deadlines whoosing past us as we strive to keep up the pace.

The trouble with that of course when we try and burn the candle at both ends, apart from being utterly boring, is that it is isn't much fun when you're constantly stressed.

I had an afternoon of moodling my imagination, yes I know it's now Sunday evening and I am back at the puter - but my body, mind and soul have rested. I can recommend it - get moodling (gosh how I wish I'd created that word) and get ready for a much more creative week.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Strive for progress not perfection STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/13/2014 11:29:01 AM ----- BODY:

Let's face it, none of us are perfect even if we think we are :-) nor will we ever be.

Just when you think you've learned all there is to know, someone comes along and changes the rules, thinks something different, creates something new. I love these people, they keep me on my toes.

Consequently I feel the best you can ever hope for is to do your best, and tomorrow, you try a little harder and hope you can keep up.

I liken my current skill level and knowledge to that of a punnet of strawberries, and you will immediately understand what I mean.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Dream big anyway STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/18/2014 01:06:56 PM ----- BODY:

"Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't"
Brett Butler

I once saw a chalk board with the words

"If at once you do succeed try not to look astonished"

written on it, and even though that chalk board and that particular cafe that had that chalk board outside no longer exists, those words have always stuck with me.

Why?

Well, we get told often enough that things may not go to plan, it may take time and the classic - well maybe you need to be a bit more realistic in your outlook ...

To which I say - phooey

We are as big as the dreams we have.

So I feel it's time to dream bigger than we have ever done so in the past, because in those dreams lie the future us.

So who do you want to be when you grow up?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Life, the universe, everything STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/22/2014 12:25:31 PM ----- BODY:

Always carry a notebook :-)

Never trust your memory.  If it's important - write it down, which presupposes one has remembered a pen as well as a notebook of course. If it is written down then you can't forget, it's there in black / blue / red & white.

But for me a notebook is an essential part of my life. I carry at least one with me, sometimes more than one, and if I forget (which isn't very often) I will almost invariably go and buy another one - and a pen of course.

I give journals, and yes pens as gifts and hope the recipient derives as much pleasure out of them as I do mine.

BUT WHY?

Well, as a writer and one who really doesn't want to lug a computer around  all the time, a notebook and pen is a great creative tool for me. I can write anywhere, at any time and about anything I want. I make notes for projects I am working on, I write down dialogue if I hear something interesting, and I record my observations on life.

And if I am ever stuck for anything to say, which as you know isn't very often I go back to the notebooks - read something, or more often than not, write about what it is that is keeping me stuck and not writing about what I know I should be writing about.

I can't physically send everyone on my list a notebook and pen, but I would if I could, so I would ask that it is one habit you could get into - buy, carry around and record your observations on life, the universe, everything and see if it doesn't shake a thing or two loose for you too. Believe me when I say it has broken my mind out of many ruts during my lifetime.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Today is for Ron STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/25/2014 09:29:54 AM ----- BODY:

I went to the best funeral today. No seriously I did. I said a formal goodbye to a friend, the rogue, the larrikin and the proverbial poop stirrer. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and believe me I say it was standing room only as Ron was sent on his way to "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam"... I had to stifle laughter through the tears, and thank goodness I didn't wear makeup :-)

He would have loved it, being the center of attention and for once he couldn't take advantage and tell his stories one more time - so the family did it for him. He loved the fact that his grand kids would visit and eat him out of ice cream and custard - telling him they were saving him from himself, and he would tell everyone who would care to listen to those stories with a twinkle in his eye as he stirred the pot one more time, that the grandies were just ice cream monsters - who just loved him for his custard..

So, today is for Ron. He left an amazing legacy behind, gone too soon, but gone as he would have wanted - the center of attention.

When we get to the end of our lives would our families and friends be able to say similar things.

Gone too soon, but gosh "they" were amazing

Your challenge from this day on is to create a life that others will laugh as well as cry at as they stand and salute your life...

To Ron, Kay and the kids, grand kids and great grand kids - love you lots and forever, and i'll bring the custard next time.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If someone is doing better than you... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/28/2014 12:27:08 AM ----- BODY:
If you are the fittest, healthiest, most positive person in your peer group, you need to find a new peer group if you want to continue to grow and elevate. Dustin Maher

I am always inspired by Dustin's personal challenges, he sets some amazing ones, and unsurprisingly once he has set the challenge, he finds a way to commit and achieve them. But during his last one - he met some people who were older and about to do something that could blow his achievement out of the water. Depressed / sad about his own achievements - no sir, not one bit - inspired to try harder and to push just that little bit more.

To read a bit more

It is important to look at your own achievements with pride. It's also good to know you can and will do even better if you want to

Best

Elle

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Dustin Maher EMAIL: IP: 66.188.89.26 URL: http://www.dustinmaherfitness.com DATE: 06/28/2014 12:40:58 AM Thanks so much for posting this. I hope your readers are as inspired about this revelation as I was.

Dustin ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Be prepared to be wrong, very wrong STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/30/2014 01:39:53 PM ----- BODY:

"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original" Sir Ken Robinson (Ted Talk)

If you haven't seen the talk I would recommend you take a few minutes out of your day and watch it, millions have - lets go for millions more

and more importantly lets get lots of stuff wrong, so we can begin to discover the new and the original.

You will have to excuse me if I find that's quite an exciting prospect

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Creating winter memories STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/06/2014 10:31:45 PM ----- BODY:

When my kids were little, some time ago now I have to admit, we would do weird and wonderful things on a weekend. Because we could, and because it was important. We would picnic in the rain - under gazebo's in Kings Park of course. We would get rugged up and just go out. Parks, games, galleries - to us it didn't matter what the weather was doing or going to do.

Today reminded me of those kinds of wild and woolly kinds of winter days. And because we could, we went into the city, that's Perth in Western Australia FTW - and there in the cultural centre was a brought in for the winter season - an ice rink, complete with penguin pushers for those who needed a bit of support while they wobbled their way around the ice. We have to bring in the ice and the snow, we don't get much of either here in this part of down under. So it was wet, it was cold and every person - adult or child was having a ball. I wanted a go but the queue was quite long and the lure of hot Tom Yum soup was greater. But one thing I can guarantee - those kids would remember today and those days like it for years to come.

Don't worry what the weather is doing - get out and have some fun.  Because when you get the chance to create good memories for yourself and your loved ones, you can and will achieve many great things... and hopefully have an absolute hoot while you are doing so.


If you want to check out the fun - http://www.enjoyperth.com.au/events/winterland

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Shari

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Yes you can STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/09/2014 01:32:19 PM ----- BODY:

I am sure we can all be guilty of the first part of this ... I think it's time we started looking more to the second...

"Stop seeing the obstacles you face as reasons why you can't do something. See them as a reason why you can.
And celebrate your accomplishments on a daily basis."

Ali Vincent, Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life, 2009

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: A change is as good as a rest STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/16/2014 12:33:08 PM ----- BODY:
Having undergone massive change over the last 6 weeks, I can say with all honesty:

Change just is.

It can be good, it can be bad.

Either way it is a massive lesson we can use to learn and grow.

That is one of the reasons why I love road trips - because they force you to look at "normal" situations in a completely different way.

You get up, you need to find breakfast - but what if you have never been in that place before, your "normal" routine stops at that first point - you're up and you are hungry. You can of course decide that you will stay hungry because you can't possibly go and find somewhere to go and eat - it's a new place and it's scary... I don't know about you though, my stomach will be persistent enough to demand I go and find somewhere to get breakfast foods. And those basic needs will demand I step outside of my zone of comfort. And that to me is a good thing.

Embrace change, it's good for you and that to me is as good as a rest.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't be lazy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/21/2014 12:52:00 PM ----- BODY:

“The only thing worse than not reading a book in the last ninety days is not reading a book in the last ninety days and thinking that it doesn't matter” Jim Rohn

I must admit I do love Jim Rohn, he passed on back in 2009, but he was my first great mentor. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet him in person, but I think I have every book and program he ever wrote and I revisit his work every so often, because I know there will always be something new, a new insight I missed the first, third or thirtieth time I listened to his work. But here is the thing. I have the books, I have the recordings I have the emails and I have part of his legacy. He may be gone, but his story, his philosophy lives on.

So one thing I would ask you to think about today is your legacy.

Your working legacy - always leave a job better than you found it.

Your personal legacy - take the photos, write the letters and the books, or whatever is your personal talent. Paint, draw, write the best code, play the musical instrument the best way you know how. Bring up your kids to know and appreciate the value of sharing. Consider that your personal legacy will be far more important to your family than the material things you own when you pass over the great divide and you will know exactly what I mean.

So - don't be lazy. Everything impacts on everything else - so you cannot slack off in one area and think it doesn't matter, or you can pick that bit up when you have the time / energy / inclination - soz but it doesn't work like that, not really.

Work as hard on yourself as you can, and in doing so you will always find new things opening up to you

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Uber multi-tasker or single minded focus, either way you still have to start STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/23/2014 11:41:44 AM ----- BODY:
Does multi-tasking work?

I think the answer to that question is both a yes and a no.

I think it is sensible to do certain things "at the same time" for example if I am waiting for the kettle to boil I might throw in a load of washing, or wash the dishes that always seem to lurk in my sink. But in reality I'm not doing things at the same time, I flicked the kettle on then I switched my attention to the laundry or the dishes, then flicked back to kettle once that had finished boiling so I could make my tea.

I used to be able to knit and read a book at the same time - but that came after lots of practice and when my kids were little and growing out of their jumpers as fast as I could knit them, believe me I had lots of practice. I still read - a lot, but I can't remember the last time I knitted anything. That aside:
The only time I can honestly say I multi-task anything is if I stop and allow my mind to wander off while the kettle is boiling, or while I am doing something physical that doesn't require much in the way of processing power. I can think and walk for instance. But allowing my mind to wander while my body is engaged in something physical unlocks the more creative side of things.

What I have found is that the best way I can get things completed is to focus my undivided attention on them and keep going until such time as the job / task is finished. Which is easier said than done of course. I rarely get any uninterrupted time as I am sure everyone reading this will attest to. If it's not phones ringing and pinging with notifications it's cars racing past / alarms / sirens / lawn mowers / leaf blowers / cats / kids / people talking or whatever sounds that manage to impinge on my thought processes and interrupt my train of thought. But and here is the key, once you have started something, interruptions aside, you can keep going once you start.

The main problem I have found is the starting.

It doesn't matter if you think you are an uber multi-tasker or single task finisher - if you don't want to start something you will find yourself doing other things to avoid doing so. You will procrastinate, guaranteed.
So, a suggestion If I may:

Start it - whatever you are putting off doing. For a flame to appear, you must have a spark. How do you get that spark? You create it by starting, you add a little bit of tinder and you coax the tiny flames until they are burning brightly. Every job you do is like that fire but you must find the spark by starting. It's up to you if you choose to do other things or focus your attention, but I would say that most people achieve more when they start, do  and then finish before moving on.

Your thoughts as always are appreciated.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: You can never be bored with sensitive jewels as the eyes... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/28/2014 11:36:10 AM ----- BODY:

“As it is, we are merely bolting our lives—gulping down undigested experiences as fast as we can stuff them in—because awareness of our own existence is so superficial and so narrow that nothing seems to us more boring than simple being.  If I ask you what you did, saw, heard, smelled, touched and tasted yesterday, I am likely to get nothing more than the thin, sketchy outline of the few things that you noticed, and of those only what you thought worth remembering. Is it surprising that an existence so experienced seems so empty and bare that its hunger for an infinite future is insatiable? But suppose you could answer, “It would take me forever to tell you, and I am much too interested in what’s happening now.” How is it possible that a being with such sensitive jewels as the eyes, such enchanted musical instruments as the ears, and such a fabulous arabesque of nerves as the brain can experience itself as anything less than a god? And, when you consider that this incalculably subtle organism is inseparable from the still more marvelous patterns of its environment—from the minutest electrical designs to the whole company of the galaxies—how is it conceivable that this incarnation of all eternity can be bored with being?”

~ Alan WattsThe Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you the tortoise or the hare? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/30/2014 01:05:14 PM ----- BODY:

Imagine the story of the tortoise and the hare for just a moment

The hare, rushed, pushed and was willing to risk

Did s/he succeed?

Now imagine the tortoise

Take time, slow down. If you know what you want it doesn't matter how long it takes you to get there now does it?

Would you rather be fast and maybe wrong or slow, methodical and get there regardless of what or how long it takes?

Life is like that, a mixture of both - fast and slow.

But one thing I do know without a shadow of  a doubt, If I want something it does not matter how many obstacles there are, I will find a way around them - if the end results matter enough to me.

Which is always worth thinking about, but you do need to think about what you really want.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sometimes you just have to... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/03/2014 10:37:11 AM ----- BODY:

There comes a time when you just have to set some crazy, way out there goals.

You know when they are crazy and a little way out there when you feel just a little worried about how you are going to achieve them. Add in perhaps an unrealistic timeline and whoa, now we go from a little worried to mild panic.

But what's the alternative?

Yet another day / week / month / year of achieving just about the same as you achieved in a previous time period?

We have just begun the 8th month of the year and the 2nd month of the Australian financial year, so I want to lay down a little challenge for you.

What would be just  a little crazy, but if you achieved it you would know you had truly done something remarkable kind of goal for you?

For me, I have set myself an outside challenge, I am re-modelling my garden, and I have a huge piece of ground that needs to be stripped of weeds and tree detritus before I can begin to replant. I need to do it before the start of spring, that's the 1st September down under (though I prefer to go with the equinox as season change points in the year) and way before the heat of summer appears if said plants are to stand any chance of survival.

For me it is a massive challenge on so many levels - physical, I have a very sore lower back from degenerative discs. Climatic - this is the first weekend that we have not had rain. Timing - I have a lot of land to clear and now only 3 weekends left, and because it is winter and we don't follow any kind of daylight savings here anyway, when it's dark that's it - and yes it is almost pitch black at 6pm atm.

It's going to be close, but in doing so I will hopefully achieve several other items off my monthly goal list - drop a couple of kilos and hopefully an inch or two here and there, plus a couple of other things, it's going to be a mad, mad, mad month.

But as Michelangelo pointed out "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark"

Go for mad, go for insane and see just how much you can achieve.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The Medici Effect, water cooler chats and other places where good ideas come from STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/04/2014 11:38:23 AM ----- BODY:

Where do good ideas come from?

I feel that some comes from reading, some from connections through social media - but for me the best lesson is that "chance favours the connected mind"

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: ch ch ch changes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/11/2014 11:10:26 AM ----- BODY:

You have heard about overnight success - yes

You also know there is no such thing

What people see as overnight success does not bear any resemblance to what actually happens in real life.

They don't see or want to see the days / weeks / months and years of struggle, all they see is the end result citing "well it's all right for you but I've got this (insert problem / issue here)  ..."

So next time someone says "well it's all right for you ..."  sit back and enjoy your moment of glory because you know what, you deserve it, and you also know that "they" will never understand what it took you to get to your "overnight" success which is why they won't get theirs.

Smug, you betcha, you deserve to be

Slow and sure is better than so called overnight success anyday

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 1 single change, and a challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 08/13/2014 10:48:15 AM ----- BODY:

Any day we can make a decision to be better than we were before.

Take  a good look at yesterday, for example.  What did you do? How well did you do it? Is there even a tiny chance of improvement in the execution?

The answer to that final question is - absolutely.

We can almost always do something better. It doesn't have to be a massive change, just better.

You will have heard the story about 2 people trying to outrun a lion... one doesn't have to be massively faster than the other, just a bit quicker.

I know that most of us don't have to worry about lions chasing us, but we can still choose to be better. Say you decided to go for a walk yesterday to improve your health, get some fresh air, do the mental filing, or whatever reason you chose to get outside and get some movement going in your life. Could you do that walk thing better today?

Absolutely:
  • You may choose to walk a different way - a great way to get a new perspective on life when you walk a different way, or even - in a different way (Minister of Silly Walks - Monty Python).
  • You may choose to walk a little faster - hey I'm doing this walking thing I might try and see if I can walk a bit quicker - who knows I may (if I do this walking thing often enough) drop a bit of weight or lose some inches.
  • You may choose to add some ankle weights or carry a weighted back pack - hey this walking thing means I can perhaps get some weight bearing exercise into my day as well.
  • You may choose to add a few more minutes to your walk, give you more time to process the mental filing, view the world, or just enjoy the air.
Nothing monumental, just different.

Look at your entire day with the same view, what tiny change can you make?
  • Could you respond better / faster to an inquiry from a client?
  • Could you get up 10 minutes earlier so you didn't have to rush?
  • Could you go to bed half an hour earlier?
  • Could you take half your lunch break and catch up on some reading?
  • Could you make more and better use of your conversations with work colleagues and / or clients?
  • Could you eat a little less, or swap one slightly naughty food you currently enjoy for a healthier option? Soft drink for a glass of water perhaps.
There are endless ways we can make massive changes to every aspect of our lives, but none of them have to be massive in the beginning. Just small, measured changes that over time can and will make you wonder just what you did before.
Best

Elle

---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
---------------------------

#1: Money - Pay cash for everything for 100 days. You will be surprised at how reluctant you are to part with the money. Consequently you will save and you won't be tempted by impulse purchases.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When you hit the wall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 08/17/2014 02:40:48 AM ----- BODY:
Having been struck down with the dreaded winter lurgy this last week, I am going to admit something I rarely own up to...

I am sometimes (make that most of the time) guilty of what I call "running on empty".

Instead of making time for me I seem to run  around constantly doing stuff, and then add even more activities to my day with what can be deemed to be ridiculous challenges. They are OK when you are feeling well, but not such a good idea when you're not.

If you don't do this already, my suggestion to you is try and find time in your schedule for a bit of you time, preferably daily.

We make time to eat, sleep, work, play with the kids and spend time with our partners, surely we can find time to pamper ourselves a little too.

Speak soon

Elle

------------------------
100 ways in 100 days:
#2
---------------------------

For 100 days - don’t take your wallet with you during lunch breaks – that way you cannot be tempted by impulse purchases.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Monday humour STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/18/2014 11:13:45 AM ----- BODY:

A little bit of humour for a Monday which i thought I would share, as it absolutely cracked me up

"Animal Crackers - The best of BBC One's Walk on the Wild Side"

Possibly the best 4 minutes you will spend today

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When you don't think you're good enough - remember the mosquito STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 08/20/2014 12:49:53 PM ----- BODY:

You may be just one person and you may think you don't have enough power to change yourself let alone anything that you think matters.

Well, let me tell you about the story of one small mosquito, a closed room, the middle of the night and you when you are trying to sleep... who's going to win that particular battle? I can almost 99.99% guarantee it will be the mosquito - why? because SHE is determined, she needs food and YOU are IT.

BTW - it's only female mosquitoes who suck blood, they use it to feed their young if you didn't know.

Now, what were you thinking about not being good enough?

Well, you are bigger than a mosquito that's for certain.

It may be that you feel you don't have a big enough purpose - and that may be true - a mosquito needs you because you are the difference between life and death for its progeny.

So, how do you find the big enough purpose?

I feel you will understand that question, when you realise you have the power to move mountains, you just have to want to do so.

When you find your passion, you will find your reason and then nothing will stand in your way.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
--------------------------- - See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/13/1-single-change-and-a-challenge.html#sthash.anUL5CPx.dpuf
---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
--------------------------- - See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/13/1-single-change-and-a-challenge.html#sthash.anUL5CPx.dpuf

---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
---------------------------

#1: Money - Pay cash for everything for 100 days. You will be surprised at how reluctant you are to part with the money. Consequently you will save and you won't be tempted by impulse purchases.

---------------------------

- See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/13/1-single-change-and-a-challenge.html#sthash.anUL5CPx.dpuf

---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
---------------------------

#1: Money - Pay cash for everything for 100 days. You will be surprised at how reluctant you are to part with the money. Consequently you will save and you won't be tempted by impulse purchases.

---------------------------

- See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/13/1-single-change-and-a-challenge.html#sthash.anUL5CPx.dpuf

---------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
---------------------------

#1: Money - Pay cash for everything for 100 days. You will be surprised at how reluctant you are to part with the money. Consequently you will save and you won't be tempted by impulse purchases.

---------------------------

- See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/13/1-single-change-and-a-challenge.html#sthash.anUL5CPx.dpuf

-------------------------
#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:
-------------------------

#3: Save $1 a day for 100 days. Every day put $1 into a jar and don’t touch it. At the end of the 100 days take the $100 and choose an activity from your “bucket list” and organize it. Those items you said you would do, when you get the money. Well in 100 days you will have $100 to do just that… book a flying lesson, whitewater rafting adventure, bungee jump or laps in a V8. Preferably not clothes or “stuff” but an experience. Things we never do because we don’t think we have the money.


#100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:v

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Owls, Larks or Sheep? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 08/23/2014 03:42:38 AM ----- BODY:
So the debate goes something like this.

If you sleep in you are a slacker
If you go to bed early you are a slacker

I've read the most ridiculous posts in recent times about larks vs owls. For example:

There are stories of people who seem to get up before they go to bed, run a half marathon, write a best selling book and raised a herd of award winning pygmy goats before they've had breakfast.

And then you get the other side of the same coin with more people saying they can pull all nighters 8 days a week and still have enough energy in the day to ...

While there may be an element of truth in both, what I find objectionable is people telling me (and you) that if I want to get on I MUST do things their way or I'm just not going to be a success. And why should we do it their way? Well it works for them so it MUST work for us - right... wrong!. Everyone is different, with different variables that must be taken into account which a lot of people seem to forget about in their postulating.

There is an infographic doing the rounds showing how creative people spend their days. What is telling is that everyone had their own routine -  which worked for them. So - If you want to have 4 x 2 hour naps in a 24 hour period while you do everything else in between who is to say it's right or wrong if it works for you. This is the link to the infographic - http://www.fastcodesign.com/3032874/infographic-of-the-day/the-daily-routines-of-26-of-historys-most-creative-minds

Don't get caught up thinking you have to be like everyone else - nope, no sirree, that's sheep mentality.

You know when you do your best work, you know when you need to push a little harder and you know when you need to rest. You just need to set your own patterns / habits / timelines and the rest should sort itself out.

-------------------------------

100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days:

#4:  Budget – go through your budget line by line. What can you get rid of? Where can you make savings? Keep a very close lid on what you spend in the next 100 days.

-------------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Perth's icy water challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 08/30/2014 06:16:00 AM ----- BODY:

MotivateMe!
Providing Strategies to Overcome the Procrastination Habit with a Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine
---------------------------
In This Issue:

---------------------------
* Today's daily dose:
Perth's icy water challenge
* 100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days #5 - Buy nothing new
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: 30th August 2014
---------------------------
Over the last 24 hours Perth (that's Western Australia) and the surrounds has had the equivalent of 10's of thousands of icy buckets of water dumped on its head.

Unlike some I am definitely not complaining. We need rain, lots of rain as our summers have been getting warmer and go on for much longer these days, but I'm not here to talk about climate change - well not today at least.

My partner and I like to walk after dinner, and last night, rain or no, was no exception. I changed out of my day wear of heels and hose, exchanging them for bare legs, socks, trainers, my oversized coat and a cap. OK it was not the most fashionable look, but who was going to comment or care for that matter. As we dodged puddles the size of lakes it reminded me of my years with the girl guides. Every summer without fail it would rain. It didn't matter what time of the year we went, where we went or any other variable. It was always wet. In 1980 we were washed out of our tent at the International scout and guide camp. People traveled across the world to be there, our troop traveled a whole 4 miles :-(

Anyway, the first night under canvas was a wash out - literally and we weren't the only ones to have rivers of water soak everything. Thankfully, the army stepped in and lent the camp a series of tents for the duration. Our tent was officially named "saggy annie" and was big enough to hold us and the guides from Ireland who'd made it over to sleep in our patch of mud for the week. I've had a yen to go to burning man, but then I remember the reason why I stopped camping...

Anyway, that summer it rained (no surprises there) and it didn't stop raining for days. In the end we ditched our standard uniform for shorts t's, gum boots and cagoules. You know those thin plastic rain coats that ensured you were just as wet from the humidity on the inside as you were from the rain on the outside. Yes those things, we had a ball... and it's one of the reasons why I really don't mind ditching soggy clothes for bare skin - it's a damn sight easier to dry let me tell you.

It turns out there were not many expats or ex guides or scouts out and about in East Perth last night as we sat for a while and enjoyed a late cup of tea and dessert while a few soggy souls scurried past. You'd think they were made out of sugar or salt the way they were desperately trying not to get wet...

As we were leaving, the server muttered "have a good night if you can"

To which I immediately and automatically replied "it's only a bit of water" and as Mike and I sloshed back to the house we both agreed that if we had let a bit of water stop us when we lived in the UK, we'd end up doing nothing.

Weather just is...

It may be out of our control, but like all things we have no control over - it doesn't mean your attitude towards it has to be

Elle
---------------------------
100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days
---------------------------

#5: Buy nothing new for the next 100 days and with the exception of food, toiletries and essential items such as medications – don’t buy anything new or 2nd hand. Use what you have already. Make a note of everything you think you want, then at the end of the 100 days review your list, do you still want it?

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: So she stood there, tapping her foot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/01/2014 12:32:59 PM ----- BODY:

I do a lot of my thinking, planning and sometimes writing when I am on the move. Notebooks and pens come in very handy at traffic lights let me tell you.

I may have the odd ah-ha moment when I am in the shower, which I know is typical for a lot a people. Bathroom breaks tend to be some of the only time we ever get to ourselves after all. We do need to switch off the normal brain numbing chatter and exchange that for just a few minutes of peace and if that is in the shower, then so be it - we take what we can.

But going back to traveling for just a minute, while I am traveling to and from I like to change up the routes I take. It's a deliberate ploy on my part to make my brain wake up and take note of its surroundings. If you always travel the same route at the same time every day chances are going to be good that you will reach your destination and wonder how on earth you got there. That's the brains energy saving mode - it doesn't need to think.

So while I was traveling on the weekend I was thinking about how to make a million. And as soon as I had had the thought, there she was tapping her foot, arms crossed whining.

My ego, standing like a disapproving sentinel in front of the bank account... I wouldn't mind but she was dressed in jeans and an awful red plaid shirt. I can honestly say I have never owned said garment, so I have no idea what she was thinking about when she dragged that on. Actually that is not strictly true... but we'll talk about that later - perhaps.

Have you ever had a conversation with your ego? Mine was enlightening I have to say. Every time I had an idea, she would tut and her foot would beat faster on the tiles.

What? You don't think we deserve to have a million? You don't think that after all this time we don't deserve to have a decent amount of money to play with...
Of course my ego could only huff and whine.
So I kept hammering the point home ... you're telling me we don't deserve a good holiday each year / the mortgage paid off / new(ish) car every couple of years / bills paid / eat out occasionally? Why do you think we don't deserve all of that and then some?

When you start to have those kinds of discussions, albeit with your ego it really doesn't make any kind of sense... which is why I have to wonder why we let our ego run the show... it also makes me wonder I suppose if anyone knew I was having these kinds of conversations I wouldn't be wearing red plaid but a rather fetching white coat, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Do you deserve more?
I think so, and don't let your ego tell you anything else.

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days
---------------------------

#5: Buy nothing new for the next 100 days and with the exception of food, toiletries and essential items such as medications – don’t buy anything new or 2nd hand. Use what you have already. Make a note of everything you think you want, then at the end of the 100 days review your list, do you still want it?

- See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/daily-dose-ezine/2014/8/30/perths-icy-water-challenge.html#sthash.qplOa0Xm.dpuf

---------------------------
100 day challenge: 100 ways in 100 days: Work / Study
---------------------------

#6: Set your alarm 5 minutes earlier than normal. This is a great idea if you are always in a rush.

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: R U OK? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/10/2014 11:31:49 AM ----- BODY:
29 years ago today my brother died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound...

Today is now known as world suicide prevention day - I like to think they named today in honor / sadness that a young man like my brother could and would take his own life. I know they named today in honor / sadness that anyone could and would take their own lives because they thought they had nothing left.

Two things:
  • Never be afraid to ask for help
  • Never be afraid to ask someone if they are ok
Today there is a personal request from me to you:
Pick up the phone, send an email, personal message on Facebook or an sms if that's your preferred choice of communication and try and send a message to those people you care about. Try for one a day.

It takes no time, which can be why we don't take the time to do it, but the results can be a life changer, change lives anyway.

Best

Elle




----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When "Windy" doesn't mean the same as mind blowing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 09/13/2014 11:57:31 PM ----- BODY:

Yesterday / today was my 50th birthday (depending what time zone you are in). Half a century can you believe. I can't.

As I've reached my half century I have of course had the opportunity to pause and reflect.
There have been some amazing moments, there have been some amazingly bad moments and there have been more than their fair share of mediocre ones.

To mark the occasion of what I hoped would be the start of more amazing moments we have headed north. If we are friends on facebook, or instagram you will have spotted the odd pic or two, but with all the will in the world, you can never experience this place through the lens of my camera or anyones other than your own...

I must be honest though, this weekend I've experienced many things that I cannot capture on camera.

Whales breaching several nautical miles out into the Indian Ocean. Believe me when I tell you, you cannot mistake a whale "splotting" on an otherwise calm ocean. The first couple of times I saw it happen I wasn't sure, but once you knew where to look and what to look for... see, that's a fluke. No - really, a whale's tail is called a fluke.

We've seen mountain goats and heard their "chatter" as they scrambled through the Kalbarri National Gorges, Eagles soaring on the thermals, hawks greeting us as we visited an old settlement, perched as they were on the wooden shingles of the old store. Nesting time makes for unwelcome visitors - even those without ladders and cranes to reach them.
Then Mike nearly stood on a startled a goanna - a metre and a half from forked tongue to tail tip, s/he moved fast for a waddling gait (that's the lizard by the way not Mike) but we do have at least part of a pic as s/he burrowed under a bush to avoid being stomped on.

Nor can you experience through a camera lens, the heat, the noise or the flys who seemed to enjoy our company as we travelled up and down the gorge paths, or the taste and feel of salt soaked skin covered in sun screen, and with all due respect to my own writing, I can't truly describe it either.

One of the members of our party went for a walk across to the coastal path after lunch, on her return I asked and how was your walk?

Windy

Literal yes, but does it do the experience justice?

Of all the adjectives there are I cannot pick one word to describe the experience, but mind-blowing is pretty close.

You don't have to come to Kalbarri to experience mind blowing of course, you can be anywhere as long as you open your mind to the possibiliites.

As I start my new year I am of course hoping for many great new experiences and achievements, and I hope we can share some together.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Walking the catwalk of dreams STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: Motivating Teenagers CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 09/24/2014 09:42:52 AM ----- BODY:

Last Sunday night my sons girlfriend Miss C saw one of her dreams realised when she sat in the audience at the Perth Fashion Festival and watched as one rather gorgeous young man strode down the catwalk wearing one of her designs.

Over the years I've known Miss C I've seen her grow into her power base. A creative designer with more than just a finger on what the current gen will be wearing, she's wearing her own designs and people love it.

Did she know her designs would hit the catwalk when she started training some 3 years ago? Well she could hope, but says she is more than happy that others can now see and appreciate what she herself could only work hard towards.

You may be lucky to know what you want your future to look like, if that is the case you will have no trouble taking the steps every day for however long it takes. Or you may be like me - unsure of who you want to be when you grow up. I didn't come into what I now know as my power base until a few years ago.

But either way the process is the same, you start, you try, you evaluate, sometimes you start over, sometimes you hit on the right path, but you keep going. Above all else you keep going.

I know Miss C will and I know her future holds many more catwalks in the future.

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenge - 100 ways in 100 days:
---------------------------

#7:Lay out your clothes the night before – why worry about what you are going to be wearing when you are half asleep. Work it out, then lay it out the night before. This is also a great time saver, so get into the habit of prepping tomorrow, today.

p.s. this is also a great way of making sure you get up and go for the walk / go to the gym first thing in the morning. If your stuff is ready when your alarm goes off, there are no excuses

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The mind is the limit STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise CATEGORY: Motivate me to find work DATE: 09/29/2014 10:20:46 AM ----- BODY:

"The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent" Arnold Schwarzenegger

Or as Yoda said "Do or do not there is no try"

When you commit to doing something, it doesn't matter what that something is - small, large, nothing at all, you will always find a way to achieve it. Once you commit, that's it. And that is both a good and a bad thing. We can be committed to doing things that are absolutely no good for us or those around us - but hey we're committed.

There was a lady at the gym this morning, boy was she committed, unfortunately for her she did most of the exercises incorrectly. Her body will tell her she's worked hard, but was she doing the best things in the best way?

But you can commit to doing the best things in the best possible way, and if you don't know - then ask. Mentors, coaches, personal trainers and a gazillion books, websites and youtube videos are just waiting to be put into service.

Best

Elle
---------------------------
Posts you may have missed:
---------------------------
Motivate me to exercise:

Time to sweat the gym stuff

Motivate me to find work:

Create and maintain a professional online profile

Clean up social media

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Before I die - or - thinking about death clarifies your life. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/08/2014 12:17:05 PM ----- BODY:

Before I die I want to...

There is a lot to be said about contemplating our personal dead lines - that is, the moment when the lives as we know them cease to be... which is why the following project interested me.

In early 2011, artist, designer, and TED Fellow Candy Chang, queen of thoughtful installations in public spaces that invite collaborative storytelling, covered an abandoned house in her New Orleans neighborhood in chalkboard paint and stenciled on it a grid of the deceptively simple unfinished sentence “Before I die I want to . . .,” which any passerby could complete with a piece of chalk and a personal aspiration. To Chang’s surprise, the wall was completely filled by the next day. Soon, the project took on a life of its own and was replicated in over 10 languages across more than thirty countries, giving voice to millions of such private yearnings... you can see the chalk walls here
When you know what you want to achieve before you finish this thing we call life, your life will take on a whole new meaning.

So - it's over to you - before you die, what do you want to do ...

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle EMAIL: IP: 203.59.230.205 URL: DATE: 10/09/2014 08:44:34 AM OK I'll start the ball rolling:
Before I die I want to - help as many people as I can achieve their goals :-) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I done this ... productivity tool STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Planning & Organization CATEGORY: To do lists DATE: 10/13/2014 10:42:33 PM ----- BODY:

Let's be honest there are many tools that can improve productivity, you just have to find the one that works for you.

My favourite way of ensuring things get done tomorrow is to send myself an email reminder last thing before shutting down - so it is sitting in my inbox the next day. No more sleepless nights worrying whether I'll remember to do that important thing tomorrow. Don't have to remember, the prompt is there.

And then someone sent me a link to this - https://idonethis.com/ - yes there is an app for that.

It may not be the app for you, but if it is and it helps you achieve many more things, then that has to be a good thing.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ash EMAIL: IP: 203.59.73.103 URL: DATE: 10/17/2014 01:09:36 AM Elle,
If you are on android there is a fantastic app called life reminders that will email, text or just remind you, or someone else whatever message you want whenever you want.
I set up messages to myself months in advance (such as change the silverfish baits), well its for my wife actually (she gets the sms).
But there are a million other uses…. Its up to your imagination.
Ash ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't get mad - get positive STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Movies DATE: 10/15/2014 01:29:14 PM ----- BODY:

There appears to be an epidemic of bullying - or does it just happen to coincide with the explosion in ways to communicate with the world?

Well, one young girl was sent a rather nasty message via an online forum, and took to the analog to make her point ... and it's just beautiful.



Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't wait STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/20/2014 01:23:10 PM ----- BODY:

I can see the headline

"... could have done so much, but [s/he] was waiting for that perfect moment to arrive before beginning"

To be honest I think that could be the epitaph for most people. Quite simply - we wait.

We wait until ...

when in reality all there is, is now - and we know that, but we wait anyway.

As you know I am a great fan of the Nike slogan "just do it" as it pretty much tells it like it is. Don't wait - just do it, and do it now before you find a way to talk yourself out of whatever it was you were thinking about doing. I'm like that with exercise - we have a love / hate relationship. I love the feeling of a damn good sweat inducing workout, I just hate the fact that I can no longer do what I want to do. 

There is an exercise challenge going on at work. 2 of my male colleagues are attempting the 100 push up challenge. That particular item is on my bucket list of exercise goals to complete, but on Friday I found out I have a rotator cuff injury in my right shoulder and not just a bicep strain as I though, so not to be beaten by a couple of boys, I've downloaded the 200 sit up challenge instead.

The challenge app is interesting - go to Google play or whatever the i-equivalent is and look it up, download it and give it a go. You have to undergo a test to see how many you can do - and please don't cheat because the program is based on your personal ability. 2 days after your muscles have stopped being a jelly mess, you get to start the program proper. I've found I can do the first 4 sets relatively easily (and yes there is a rest counter too) but the 5th set adds on 3 or 4 almost impossible ones to challenge you.

But 2 days later, those 3 or 4 reps that challenged you, believe it or not you can now do easily. You just have to be willing to push yourself through those last few reps. And guess what, every time we push through our supposed barriers our mental as well as physical muscles (in this case) get a little stronger.

You may not want to do the 100 push up / 200 sit up or any other kind of exercise challenge, but humour me for just a moment. It's not for the exercise - it's just to prove to yourself that you can do this. Because it's not about your shoulders or in my case my abs, it's about pushing my mind. If you can stretch your mind by a tiny fraction each time you want to give up, you can stretch your mental capacity to do anything.

Just do it. Prove to yourself that you can be better this time around, it doesn't matter what happened before. 

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I wonder - does everything REALLY count? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 10/26/2014 11:31:20 AM ----- BODY:
You walk into an environment you have never seen or experienced before. If you are anything like me, my first thought is always:

Where is the person to greet me / direct me?

Unfortunately 9 times out of 10 I am left wondering where to go:
And then I wonder how these companies are still in business.

You may say - but it's only ...

You may say of yourself - But I am only ...

I say, everything counts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Give me a magic bullet any day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/03/2014 12:50:20 PM ----- BODY:

When it comes to shortcuts I want the biggie, the magic bullet that allows me to reach my goals faster and of course without  any effort on my part.

I want the one that allows me to drop the weight I need to lose, keep my house clean and deposit a couple of million dollars in my bank account overnight. All while making me look totally gorgeous of course.

I know, ridiculous right.

Not the being gorgeous part, I know I'm that already :-)

Lets get serious for just a moment (sorry and all that) while I would like someone to keep my house clean - other than me, I know I can outsource that job and hire someone, the rest, however is down to me.

What I cannot do is hire someone to do my push ups for me. Quite simply that would be stupid. The person I hired would get fit and toned, and unless someone knows of a tool I can use to transfer those gains by osmosis - I know that I am being totally ridiculous.

But I can pay for the expertise.

And that is where the shortcuts come into play.

We can hire a nutritionist, a personal trainer and a cleaner if we so desired. We can also hire business coaches or find a mentor to push us onto the next level.

And in doing so we bypass the massive learning curves that always go hand in hand with learning something new. I don't want to be an expert in everything, quite frankly there isn't enough time, nor on my part the inclination to do so. But I can find those people who do have the kind of expertise I require.

Now that's the kind of magic bullet that makes sense to me.

Elle

---------------------------
100 day challenge - 100 ways in 100 days: #7:
---------------------------

Lay out your clothes the night before – why worry about what you are going to be wearing when you are half asleep. Work it out, then lay it out the night before. This is also a great time saver, so get into the habit of prepping tomorrow, today.

--------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Prove them wrong STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/09/2014 12:20:19 PM ----- BODY:

I think there is nothing as satisfying as proving everyone wrong

 

You get those kinds of comments thrown at you often enough and you can either hang your head and agree, or take it as a challenge to prove them wrong...

You can't do that...

"Who says I can't, I can do amazing things...just watch me... "

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Friendly rivalry can make motivation easier STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 11/15/2014 08:14:50 AM ----- BODY:
A week or so back, my partner downloaded the Google Fit App so he could monitor his exercise levels and of course challenged myself and several other people to do the same.

I am thinking about buying a wearable one, but I'm not sure which to go for, so this seemed like a reasonable compromise for the time being. And then I had to remember to take it with me given that it doesn't actually work if you're not moving. But...

The interesting thing for us was how easy it is to do not very much during an average working day. But the knowledge that we weren't doing very much made us all try that little bit harder. And that's where the friendly rivalry is kicking in ...

If you don't have a wearable exercise / health tracker, and you do have a smart phone, give it a go - and challenge your family and friends as well. With a bit of luck we may start a new fitness revolution to see who can do the most activity in a normal day.

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What happens when black dye meets the public for the first time ... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Motivating Students to Study CATEGORY: Motivating Teenagers DATE: 11/23/2014 12:26:50 PM ----- BODY:
Three years of training, education, frustration, pattern design, passion and lots of black fabric dye culminated in the end of year fashion show and awards for the 2014 graduating class of Polytechnic West last Thursday.

There were late nights, early morning, sinks clogged with fabric, spare rooms full of hangers and garments and steel toe capped boots everywhere.

But it was all worth it.
Thursday night my sons girlfriend was one of the 14 graduates and an award winners for her industrial inspired look ready to wear collection.
Three years ago, she wasn't sure what her future would hold, she just wanted to do something different, and had parents who supported her and told her to go for it.

Of course now the fun really begins, and she has had a number of requests to consider.

As you plan the coming week, it should also be time to contemplate your future. So remember this:

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: No jacket, no hat and no umbrella in sight... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 11/26/2014 01:28:18 PM ----- BODY:
I have decided to leave my car at home a couple of days a week so I can get more movement into my day. As you know I downloaded the Google Fit app to my phone and I was rather embarrassed by how little movement I managed to fit into my sedentary day. So I have decided to ditch the car for public transpo.

So far my experiment has ended up with some of THE WORST WEATHER to hit Perth in months... storms, torrential rain, humidity off the scale - it's hilarious.

As I was leaving the office tonight (1 km walk, 2 trains, 1 bus and a 1km walk to get home) the heavens opened. My fault entirely that I was incorrectly dressed for the occasion. Open toed sandals, no jacket, no hat and certainly no umbrella - and a ridiculous grin on my face. People thought I was mad. But I still got home around the same time as if I had driven and got caught in the traffic on the way home.

Weather just is.

It's hot, it's cold, it's wet, dry, stinking hot, humid...

So what ...

Yesterday I spent the day working at a gym in East Perth - people paid good money to be hot, sweaty and exhausted by the end of their sessions.

Sometimes it takes a change in mindset, and sometimes it takes a change in circumstances to make us see things differently... For me it was a broken clutch cable that made me seek out public transport options a couple of weeks ago. Now that I have, it's easy.

One of my work colleagues offered me a lift to the station ... thank you, very kind - I want to talk... "REALLY!!" then

As I was on the train my son messaged me "want me to pick you up from the train station"

Me - no "just on the bus see you at home soon"

And then, there he was...bless him, my son got in his car and waited for the bus to drop me off at the stop so I didn't have to get wet a second time on my way home.
I will just have to add another 15 minutes to my tally tomorrow :-) ssshhh don't tell him.

Somethings just are, and most of the time it is how we think about things that make them an opportunity or just a wet / miserable / you have got to be joking kind of a day. I challenge you to look for the good.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: The importance of speed OR today we made history STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: Success and Failure CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Mentoring and Coaching CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Avoid procrastination CATEGORY: Avoiding procrastination CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise DATE: 12/07/2014 11:13:26 AM ----- BODY:

Someone who doesn’t understand the importance of speed may say - but it’s only been a week, how can I make any significant changes in that short space of time?

I feel you can make a massive difference in a blink of an eye. In fact if you have ever been faced with making that kind of gut wrenching - OMG I am going to die decisions, you know exactly how important those milliseconds can be.

So the question isn't - can I make significant changes quickly, because the answer is YES, the question is -

What is the alternative?

If you decide to make a change in your life, when is the best time to start that process?

The answer is now, not tomorrow, not next week, not next year - but now.

If you don't  then the law of diminishing intent kicks in. As you know, that law states that if we don’t take action as soon as the idea strikes us and the emotion is high, fairly soon the urgency starts to diminish. And by the end of a couple of weeks those brilliant ideas and suggestions we were going to implement are all but gone.

That is why proper deadlines are vital.

What's the alternative? You know what that answer is right!

I've been doing some work for Omara Fitness - a boutique gym in East Perth.The owners are champion athletes and today saw the first ever Scholarship Award Ceremony - the first event of its kind in Australia and probably the world. The winner of the scholarship will be trained and supported as they get ready to compete in the Omara Classic in March 2015 ‪#‎omara15‬ IFBB WA, with winners of all categories going forward to the Arnold Classic - also being held for the first time in Australia in March 2015.

They and we (the entire team who made it happen) made history today (pics also available on my facebook page).

And it happened because decisions were made, deadlines were set and everyone turned up and did what was needed to be done.

And yes we are already planning the next one :-)



----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If you want to succeed, you need to stop stopping STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Beat procrastination CATEGORY: Cure procrastination CATEGORY: Conquering procrastination CATEGORY: End procrastination DATE: 12/13/2014 07:17:30 AM ----- BODY:
Focus on what you want.

No I don't mean the airy fairy - let's visualise what the future might hold for you if everything fell into place, you won lottery and it was always perfect weather, you had all the time / energy and money in the world to do it.

Let's face it, that kind of thinking is straight out of a fairy tale.

There is never a perfect moment. There will never be a perfect moment.
All we have is now.

So, with laser like focus on what we want to achieve now, and doing it (that should go without saying), if you have enough "now" moments, you will succeed.

Think about any successful athlete, artist, musician, business person, writer - they all have many things in common.

They show up for training, they show up for practice, they show up to their desks and they write / work. They make mistakes. But day after day they refine, they try, they try harder, they get help if they need it, but every day they turn up and they work hard.

How about you?

Did you want to learn the piano? Write a book? Buy a yacht and sail the world?

What happened?

In most cases - you stopped.

You stopped the lessons, you stopped writing, you stopped training, you stopped ...

Take health and fitness as a good example. You cannot exercise like crazy for a week and then bottle the excess for a time when you can't be bothered. Tried that, didn't work. And you know why it didn't work?

First of all if you exercise like crazy after not exercising in a while, you won't be able to move. Sitting down is painful, you can barely tie your shoelaces and breathing hurts. Believe me it's easier to start slowly and build on your fitness levels on a daily basis.

The second reason why it doesn't work is because of fear. Well it hurt last time I tried that. I got a rejection letter from the publisher I sent my manuscript to.

So what?

You cannot expect to be an overnight success. Even those who we think are overnight successes (think singing reality tv shows for example) ... they all sang somewhere, even if it wasn't in public.

Do you want to succeed? Then you need to stop stopping.


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Make this your YES year STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/27/2014 05:54:17 AM ----- BODY:

January 1st and New Year's Resolutions are almost upon us. Unfortunately we know that most of the time these aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

No matter how many times we write them we tend to write things in the negative.

It's almost as if we dislike ourselves.

Hardly exciting is it! So today I would like to offer you a different way to look at the new calendar year.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." ~ Buddha

As you start to think about what you would like the coming year to look like, I would ask you to think of 2015 as being your YES year. This is the year you say yes to the things that will benefit you and your family. Be it - moving your body from an unhealthy weight range to a healthy one, to training for that race you said you've always wanted to run. Starting that business, or having that photo shoot you said you always wanted to do.

The beauty of deciding that this is your YES year, is that you don't have to decide today or tomorrow what you want the year to look like, just when opportunities present themselves you say YES to them.
With a caveat - when you are faced with 2 or more options - go with the bolder choice.

Then - write it down...

Make keeping a daily progress journal a new habit. Review it weekly - what worked, what didn't. Review each of the previous 4 weeks at the end of a month. Then take each quarter, then at the end of the year you will have notebooks of personal triumphs and inspiration.

We do it all the time for our working lives - we are held accountable, this year I am asking us all to be accountable to ourselves for our own better futures.

Here's to an amazing YES year

Best

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Your YES Year and the 30 day challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Motivation to improve diet and health CATEGORY: 100 day challenge CATEGORY: New Year's Resolutions CATEGORY: Breaking bad habits CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 12/31/2014 10:11:24 AM ----- BODY:

So for those who have been paying attention, apparently the calendar flips over tonight, giving us a brand spanking new set of 365 days to play with before it does it again. Of course if you think about it, the same BIG FLIPPIN DEAL happens at midnight every day. Because every day we get a brand spanking new set of hours to use, every day it will be another year before we see that particular day again. Every day we should be excited about what the next set of hours, days, weeks and yes months will bring. How come most people don't / won't / can't see the potential?

I know most of you can, but I would like to offer a new challenge. Rather than just set a series of new year's statements, I would like you to think about which habits you would like to stop, and which you would like to start.

And I would like you to make the commitment for just 30 days. That gives you a day to get over the NYE hangover, and to seriously think about the changes you would like to see over the first month of 2015. If 2015 is going to be your YES year, this is important.

The 30 day challenge:

The jury is out on just how long it takes to make or break a habit. But 30 days is a good chunk of time to see just how much we can achieve.

So - the following are a list of suggestions. Most of them relate to weight loss and exercise as let's face it, those 2 items usually appear high on most people's lists.

Are you in?

Let me know.

Things to stop doing:

Things to start doing:

 You're in! that's awesome. Complete the 30 day challenge form and make your commitment to the start of your better future.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 7 reasons to walk to and from the office - or most other places really STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivate me to exercise CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 01/07/2015 10:26:33 AM ----- BODY:
  1. Walking to and from the office, or public transpo means you don't have to find other time during your day to get your daily steps in. There are a lot of studies that say 10,000 steps is the optimum. There have been a number of ad campaigns over the years urging us to find 30. The point here is - if you walk to and from - you are going to get the exercise your body needs... and let's get a little personal here, you move the body's waste through much faster :-) they didn't use to call a walk a constitutional for nothing.
  2. You can offset a day of relatively little or no movement with a decent walk at each end of your working day. How long do you sit down each day? For most people who have office jobs it's a lot. Then when you get into the car, guess what you're still sitting down... Get home, eat dinner - yep sitting down, watch a little TV - well we tend not to do that standing up...
  3. Get yourself a fitness tracker and prove just how much exercise you are doing... annoy your colleagues, start a competition to see how many steps you do each day. Then tomorrow - try and do a bit more.
  4. Your clothes fit better - seriously, after just a few weeks of catching public transport several times a week, and all the walking to and from, I've dropped a dress size, and my clothes are looking soooo much better on. When you see early results, believe me it makes you want to push that little bit harder.
  5. Size reduction and obviously burning the fatty layer over the muscles is fantastic, what you will also notice really quickly is the improved muscle tone. People may say - but it's just walking. Try walking while holding your palm over your hip / tummy and you will feel just how hard your muscles are working. Move onto uneven terrain and the changes are apparent.
  6. Save money...maybe. Offset a decent pair of trainers, which lets face it you should already own, and it shouldn't cost you anything. Sure you will be exchanging fuel consumption / wear and tear on your vehicle with that of the cost of public transport. But consider the healthy benefits of walking, vs not emitting CO2 and other chemicals into the air from your car... and perhaps the reduction in medical bills down the track and you are going to save yourself a lot in the long run. And talking of which...
  7. Walking improves your mood. There are many studies that prove just a few minutes of walking a day can provide the serotonin your mind and body craves, and the effects last a lot longer than the time it took you to walk. There is a fantastic video I'd like to share with you called 23 and a half hours... it is well worth the time to watch it.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What do you do when the weather conspires against you? Almost anything you like. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 01/28/2015 04:26:16 PM ----- BODY:
It's hot, almost too hot to think and to add fun to the mix it's getting close to midnight and the long awaited electrical storm is just lighting up the sky. When I was a kid and hiding under the covers in my parents bed my dad used to tell me it was people in heaven playing ten pin bowling. And I had forgotten about that until I just heard what sounded distinctly like bowling balls rolling down a wooden floor - very loudly. I can hope for rain, whether we get any or not is up to mother nature, but the dry earth, smouldering bush fires and desperate flora and fauna would appreciate a good soaking, but it sounds like that may pass us by more's the pity.

And as we are suffering the heat, flies and humidity of summer down under, cold winds and rain is blanketing Europe and a snow storm is battering parts of North America.

What should we do? Wait for conditions to be perfect before we do something?

I must admit that it has taken about a 20 degree reduction in temperature for my brain to start "working" properly. I had also been asleep when I started getting the types of cramp in my feet that cause me to walk around the house, thankfully for my little feline girl I was able to give comfort. I can't explain the bowling ball story to her and expect her to understand, just do the thing that ensures she feels safe. Linen cupboards are handy for frightened kitties (and yes she can get out if she wants to). This is Belle BTW :-)

Where exactly was I, oh yes in bed asleep when the electrical storm started and before the cramps began. No I was explaining how we can't wait for the perfect conditions before we do stuff, lets face it, we would be waiting quite some time before that happened (if ever). Today is all there is, now is all there is. Granted if you are under 6 feet of snow it's going to be hard to do yard work, or perhaps go for a hike - but that doesn't stop you doing the things you can do. You can read, you can practice yoga, you can meditate, you can write a book, content marketing plan, a dozen blogs, schedule your social media, play board games, do a jigsaw puzzle, have long soaks in the bath - or

Sure, there may be times when outside influences can and do make you stop and think about what you are doing, or could be doing. But don't ever think they are the reason why you can't.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Downsizing, de-cluttering and defeating the notion that we are indispensable. STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/09/2015 01:38:07 PM ----- BODY:

My neighbour is moving to a much smaller house. She has spent the last dozen years or so collecting stuff to fill the house she currently lives in, stuff she now has to decide whether or not to keep. Will it fit in the new place? Will it suit the new place? And perhaps just as importantly "do I still want it?" If the number of tip and thrift store runs is anything to go by, the answer has been - well no actually.

It is quite remarkable what we can do without when we are faced with a decision to move - homes, jobs, offices even countries. It’s also very interesting to look at what we think we may need “sometime” and hang onto just in case.

My neighbour has bitten the bullet and the boxes are piling up.

Of course you don't have to face the thought of moving to a new place (house or office for that matter) to consider having a good look at what we've hoarded over the years. I worked with one lady who’d kept every single diary and bill she had ever paid in her bottom drawer at work. My office space used to be filled with examples of marketing materials.

At home, if you remember a few years ago during one of the many 100 day challenges I’ve run I made a decision to get rid of 100 groups of things in 100 days. It meant a lot of cleaning, clearing and sorting to get through that particular challenge.

Thanks to my neighbours I now have a brand new (but old) workstation. It is twice the size of the desk I was using so several areas had to be cleaned, cleared and re-arranged on the weekend. It’s now in place and I am very happy with the resulting positive energy a good clean out can give you. Let me say that again, hoarding stuff can keep you stuck. While you can procrastinate to your heart’s content when you can’t find what you’re looking for it can also be very frustrating.

Start to look at your life as transient, and you will see what is truly important to you.

What would happen if you went to work tomorrow and were told that was it, time to pack your bags and – how many boxes would it take to transfer all your stuff home?

Or you decided to leave home and travel the world, how much stuff would you really need?

What will happen to the stuff you’ve collected when you’ve finally gone? What will your family keep?

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Walking in the footsteps of giants STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 02/15/2015 01:05:49 PM ----- BODY:

Tyson Smith (some of you may know him from the TV show “The Amazing Race” he and his fiancé Dr Sally came in 2nd place last October) is a gentle giant in the world of Body Building. Not unsurprisingly he is a personal trainer and has a huge following amongst the fitness industry world. Given his pedigree you would think that he would be able to go it alone in his competition preparation in the lead up to the March 8th IFBB WA O’mara Classic and World Qualifying event.

But Tyson made an appointment with 9 times Mr Australia and 1 time Mr Universe - Mike O’Mara to ensure his training and nutrition were on track. When you want to compete on the world stage you need all the help you can get, and what better than from someone who has been there and done exactly that.

As Tyson put it on Thursday, because of Mike’s nutritional and training advice at the beginning of his journey in the fitness industry, comp prep now is relatively easy because he doesn’t blow out during the off season. He can make a decision 4 weeks out that he will step up and take things to the next level.

At a diminutive 4’11” Mike is larger than life. He and his wife Daniela an IFBB Fitness Pro Athlete herself, train, coach and mentor the next generation of athletes. Now some of you may not consider “body builders” as being athletes. Now with just 4 weeks to go to the competition, our athletes are spending hours each day in the gym, whittling their body fat down, sculpting their bodies through a combination of cardio (fat burning) weight lifting (sculpting muscle groups) and a very strict diet. Think 6 meals a day comprising lean protein, vegetables and lots of salad greens. The girls for instance eat twice what I do and weigh 30 kilos less. But if there is one thing in common, most of the athletes I’ve spoken to over the last couple of weeks are looking forward to adding pure carbohydrates (rice, potato, sweet potato) back into their diets again.

Looking at their training and eating regimen and working with Mike and Daniela I now know why most of the diets I’ve been on over the years have failed to give me the body shape I’ve always wanted. I may have lost weight on the scale, but I’ve never been able to retain my muscle mass while shedding the fat - because I haven’t. Working with the team at Omara Fitness I have discovered just how important muscle development is. Muscles are your fat burning engine, they also help protect the skeletal frame and weight bearing exercise helps prevent osteoporosis. Now, you may have no interest in going on stage (as I don’t) but the principles they use work for everyone. As I’ve started to incorporate the nutritional principles into my diet my shape is changing. It might be slow going, but it is going and I am keeping a month by month photographic journey which I will share with you eventually.

Now I am sure when you read the title of this piece you probably thought I was going to talk about “The Giants” who are here in Perth this weekendd. The little Girl Giant “woke up” on Friday and the Diver woke up on Saturday. 10’s of thousands of people have been captivated by the story, artistry and imagination of the theatre, yes including me, and while a few people (there are always a few) who have been disparaging of the event, more have been inspired over this Valentines weekend to walk with and amongst the giants. And I must admit I have walked more this weekend, because I simply needed to be in a place where I could see them, than a normal weekend. Which just goes to show what we will do when we are truly motivated.

But to return to the original “giants” of this piece, there are many giants around us, Mike and Daniela O’Mara are two of them, Tyson Smith another. We have the many business leaders who inspire us to greater things, spiritual leaders,  teachers and educators, poets, authors (both living and passed) and the many volunteers who make a difference to our lives on a daily basis. I am always looking to the “giants” and those who can help me. If I am willing to ask for help, listen to the advice, and follow their instruction then who knows what is possible.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: If plan A didn't work, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Change Management DATE: 02/25/2015 07:17:05 AM ----- BODY:

MotivateMe!
Providing Strategies to Overcome the Procrastination Habit with a Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine
---------------------------
In This Issue:
---------------------------
* Today's daily dose: 25 February 2015
* Let's Connect:
* Share this e-zine:
--------------------------
Today's daily dose: If plan A didn't work, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet
---------------------------
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain!" BJ Gallagher

We progress through making mistakes, lots of them.
We try something, it didn't work
We try something else, that didn't work either, but I think we're getting a bit closer
We give it another go,
And another
And another

Think about every time you get in the car. Do you plug in the direction and hit go, miraculously make no changes to anything and voila you reach your destination. Those cars may be coming, but until then, most of us will have to change gears, change speeds, make lane corrections, avoid the idiots, all the time making small but significant changes to the steering column.

Knowing we are going to have to do all that does make me wonder why we would put ourselves through so much trial and error, so much pain in failing to get in the right gear AND stay there. I mean how hard can it be for goodness sake!

Small changes are much easier than attempting the big changes. If you think about it, we struggle with the big changes so we procrastinate. Consider those new years resolutions that are probably just a dim and distant memory:
  • Lose weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Save a million
  • Earn several million so we can save at least one.
  • Learn a language
Or whatever was on our lists this year. Everyone of them is massive and gulp, we wonder and we worry about how we are going to achieve them, so we don't start.

But chop those big things into a gazillion tiny pieces and you can get there. Seriously. You can move a mountain a teaspoon at a time. Personally I'd hire a bulldozer or better still a dozen, but you get the point.

We can change our not so healthy diet, one item at a time. I weaned myself off sugared tea and coffee by adding in a little bit less every time I had a hot drink. By reducing the amount by just a little bit each time, my taste buds didn't catch on and within a couple of weeks I was drinking my tea without it. I now drink my tea black having completed the same process with milk, and am slowly learning to like black coffee.

In sales and business do you stop after the first call because someone said no to you? I would hope not because there are so many more prospects out there to talk to. Can you work on your presentation? Probably. More importantly, can you work on your listening skills and find out what pain your potential new client has. I would hope so. Can you help them or do you know someone who could? Of course. But you have to listen first and adjust your chatter. It's a learning process, but you can learn it, just as you can learn how to do anything. If you want to.

Whatever you are trying to do, whatever it is you are trying to achieve, it may take some time to get there, but if you constantly reevaluate your performance, make some changes, fail, make some more changes, get some help if you need to, you will get there.
Give yourself the freedom to fail :-)


 

 

 

 

 

 

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Tomorrow is already here STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/05/2015 12:21:00 AM ----- BODY:
I was walking this morning around the river in East Perth first thing this morning. After the heat of summer, the cool start to the day and the breeze was a pleasure, and it crossed my mind that there would be people in the Northern Hemisphere heading to bed who may be worried about what "tomorrow" may bring.

Well I can assure you, tomorrow is here in Perth, and it's just fantastic.

Look at the times you thought you wouldn't cope if so and so happened. It may have, but did you cope, of course you did. It may not have been your best response, but you handled it.

Whatever life throws at you, you can handle it, because you are much stronger than you look.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Decide what to be and go be it STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 03/17/2015 12:16:35 AM ----- BODY:

When you put it like that, it all sounds so simple.

But why should complicated, make it more important?

Sometimes the simple thing is exactly what we should be doing.

Best

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Change: Vague Goals Lead Nowhere STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/01/2015 07:42:59 PM ----- BODY:

I run a lot of change management programs, needless to say I can tell you the ones which are going to work, and the ones which won’t within a short space of meeting you. I can even tell you which of you are going to be the ones who will change and the ones who won't.

I could come back here in 30 days and 70% of you will be doing exactly the same things you were doing then. You would have agreed with me that there were some things that you needed to change. In fact you said you were definitely going to make some changes. But I left and you went back to doing what you were doing before I came.

It's not that I didn't motivate you enough, I know I did. But as the days slipped into weeks your normal routines will have simply reasserted themselves. That’s why most of us can get to the end of a year and we can use the same set of new year's resolutions as previous ones. Harsh? No, absolute fact.

So if there are 70% of you who won't have made any changes, that must go to say, there are 30% of you who will.

What is the difference?

I can always tell the difference between the 2 groups. The ones who can't or won't are the ones who are saying things like, well that's all very well, but you don't have ... my life / my problems / my circumstances / my well worn excuses. Remind to tell you my story one day :-)

The remaining 30% are the ones who have those same kinds of lives, problems, circumstances are also the ones who are ready to change. They are saying things like, I've had enough,  if I make a couple of simple changes to my current schedule, I could do ... For these people the status quo is no longer good enough and change is a much higher priority.

Say you're a little bit overweight, you're getting out of breath every time you try and do anything vaguely energetic. You're getting tired easily and simply feel out of sorts so you head to the doctors, hoping that it's just a virus and / or something he can give you a pill for and you can carry on as normal.

Unfortunately, the doctor provides you with some borderline news. He tells you that if you keep going the way you are, you're going to run the risk of hypertension, maybe diabetes, have a heart attack or worse.

Some of you will take that news seriously and begin to make some changes – change the diet, lose some  weight, exercise a bit more and so on.

But some of you won't.

The doctors verdict of your condition is a bit vague, so you treat the prognosis in the same way. What a load of rubbish, I’m just feeling a little bit under the weather that’s all.

But what would happen if you were told that unless you walked for at least 1 hour every day and reduced your weight by 30% you will be dead within 6 months.

How motivated would you be now?

What do I have to do? What changes MUST I make. I don't want to die within 6 years let alone 6 months. For goodness sake someone throw away the biscuits and cake in the office and buy some fruit. Who's going to come for a walk with me at lunch time?

Vague statements lead nowhere.

To make changes stick, you need to plan the changes, then change your current “normal” for what will be your new “normal”.

You don't get very far without planning.

Nor do you get very far if your plan is entirely wrong, but at least you are moving - somewhere.

However, if you take the time to work out what you want to achieve and the time frame that you have to achieve it in, you can and will do amazing things.

Take study as a good example.

You have a course you want to study - it goes for x long.

You have so many classes to attend / assignments to complete and exams to take over a certain period of time before you can graduate.

What happens if you don't do the work in the prescribed time? Simple - you don't graduate, you don't get the qualifications. Now you may think, well that's OK I can always re-take!

Seriously dude, with the price of higher education, if you have that kind of money to throw away, you can throw it in my direction, the result is the same for you.

Would you pay for a plane ticket and not know where you were going? Or fail to turn up for the flight?

I hope not, but some of you are treating life like that. I really don't want to come back here in 30 days and find out you've proven me right - again. I want to come back here in 30 days and be proven entirely wrong.

Go on prove me wrong I double dare you.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Getting from A to B faster isn't always the answer STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/09/2015 05:41:07 AM ----- BODY:
"So many people go so fast between A and B - they forget that the middle is all there is"
I began that sentence, my partner finished it as we were driving down Big Sur a week ago. We were being tailgated by people who obviously didn't bother to stop and smell the roses (so to speak).


I've driven Big Sur a couple of times now on our annual road trip, the last time we were there it was foggy and we looked like we were on top of the world. Last week we could see as far as we wanted. Both times it was spectacular. It's just a shame not everyone could slow down and appreciate it.

And isn't that the same for most things in life, rush, rush, rush fail to stop, stop, stop.

How do we know we are on the right road if we don't stop occasionally to check.

 

 


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When a plan comes together STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/18/2015 07:34:59 AM ----- BODY:
Over the course of a 3 week period we traveled several thousand miles through 4 states in America. This trip (like all the others we have done) was planned months in advance, the route (though that did change a couple of times), the major stops, the accommodation and some of the entertainment. I mean why would we head all the way over to New York from the West Coast to sit in a hotel room at night watching the television! That's rhetorical by the way.
Every day was a new adventure.
Every new day can be a new adventure - if you want it to be, and we do.

Otherwise as the cat said to Alice when she asked ...
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Light fire with fire - you'll be glad you did STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/27/2015 10:47:21 AM ----- BODY:

"Don't wait for your feelings to change before you take action. Take the action and your feelings will change." ~ Barbara Baron

You may counter by saying that you just don't feel like it, your get up and go has gotten up and gone. Well, to find the spark of creativity, you need to find something to light that initial spark.

Don't want to clean / write / walk / anything else - just start with a minute - well that wasn't too bad, maybe I can do another minute.

Or gut it out and promise yourself a reward. OK, I will sit down and do this (insert dreaded task) after which I will (insert appropriate reward) - no paperwork means I don't get to watch my favourite show / chat with a friend ...

Let's face it, sometimes we are just kids at heart regardless of our age and if that means we have to bribe ourselves with the thought of cookies if we eat our veggies then so be it, some times we do what we have to do.

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Simple pleasures STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 05/05/2015 07:53:21 AM ----- BODY:

"The best things in life are free" and a recent survey commissioned by Bupa seems to agree with that very statement

I may not agree with those items listed in spots 47 - 49 excuse the pun (read it and you will see what I mean), the others, well who doesn't like sleeping in a freshly made bed?

What makes you happy?

1. Sleeping in a freshly made bed – 62%

2. Feeling the sun on your face – 57%

3. Being thanked, or a random act of kindness from a stranger – 53%

4. Finding money in unexpected places – 52%

5. Having time to yourself – 48%

6. Laughing so hard it hurts – 48%

7. Snuggling on the sofa with a loved one – 44%

8. Smelling freshly made bread – 43%

9. Doing something for others – 43%

10. Feeling clean after a shower – 42%

11. Your favourite song coming on the radio – 42%

12. Finding a bargain in the sales – 41%

13. Listening to rainfall/thunderstorms when indoors – 40%

14. Drinking freshly brewed tea or coffee – 39%

15. The thrill of personal achievement at work or completing a physical challenge – 38%

16. Having a long, hot bath – 36%

17. Seeing a fresh coating of snow – 34%

18. The smell of freshly cut grass – 34%

19. Chocolate melting in your mouth – 33%

20. Doing something active outdoors like a bike ride, run or country walk – 32%

21. Cooking bacon in the morning – 32%

22. Talking to or playing with your pet – 30%

23. A soothing massage – 30%

24. That ‘Friday feeling’ – 30%

25. Eating a perfectly cooked steak – 29%

26. Waking up before the alarm and realising there’s more time to sleep – 28%

27. Exercising – 24%

28. Seeing a rainbow – 23%

29. Remembering the name of someone or something you thought you’d forgotten – 23%

30. Baking a perfect cake or pie – 23%

31. Stepping on crunchy autumn leaves – 21%

32. Popping bubble wrap – 20%

33. Swimming in the sea or lake – 20%

34. The smell of a new car – 20%

35. Dancing like no one’s watching – 19%

36. The smell of new books or magazines – 19%

37. The smell of a fine wine – 16%

38. Setting your ‘out of office’ message before going on holiday – 15%

39. Putting on a brand new pair of socks – 14%

40. Watching your breath float away in cold air – 12%

41. Getting new stationery – 11%

42. Singing in the shower – 11%

43. Getting a seat on the bus, train or Tube – 11%

44. Picking an orange from the fruit bowl that is easy to peel – 9%

45. Loosening your jeans after eating – 9%

46. The ‘pop’ when opening a new jar of jam – 9%

47. Squeezing a spot – 8%

48. Cleaning your ears – 8%

49. Cleaning the bathroom – 6%

50. Thinking about the Royal family – 4%

Elle


---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where 
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.


Elle Bradshaw
Procopy - Treble7 (web and studios)
http://www.treble7.com 
http://www.primacian.com

http://www.motivateme.info 
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Elle DATE: 05/05/2015 08:52:46 AM They forgot vinegar on hot chips ----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Are you ready to change? The formula for weight loss (and keeping it off) STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation to improve diet and health CATEGORY: Ready to change CATEGORY: Motivate me to lose weight DATE: 05/27/2015 10:33:11 AM ----- BODY:
I've been avoiding telling you something. Procrastinating? Me?

Actually it's more of a ... I didn't want to be seen as a reformed evangelist speaker - you know the kind of person I mean. I am sure you know people who've given up smoking and all of a sudden they are touting every health benefit of giving up smoking to everyone and everyone regardless of whether the other person smokes or not. Or how about the once large person who has found exercise and in doing so has lost a lot of weight and is now running marathons and so can you - oh and I've written a book about my journey. Yeah those kinds of people. I didn't want to be that kind of person. But it's been bugging me for some time, so I'm going to share something with you like it or not.
Do you know the formula for weight loss? In simple terms it's energy in vs energy out. What you take in as calories means you can lose weight, maintain your weight or gain weight. As little as 500 calories per day over your personal nutritional requirements (based on your activity and lifestyle levels) means you can gain a pound of weight a week. Conversely the opposite is also true.

Still with me? And please no eye rolling.
In basic terms I thought I knew that...eat less, exercise more and voila weight loss. Unfortunately for me and fortunately for the dieting industry and authors of the many "fad" diets out there I had bought almost every book going.

So what would happen, I would tell myself I could lose weight, pick a book and follow the instructions. Sure I could lose a bit, then I would gain a bit, lose a bit more, gain it back. I'm sure you know people like that, heck you might be a person like that. I know I was.
Then 2 things happened.

I started doing some work for a business that ran events in the body sculpting world. People would come from across the state to speak to someone who had been there and done that, and won - many times... Obviously he was in huge demand and had passed on his knowledge to hundreds if not thousands of people so they could lose body fat and gain muscle. Some even went on to stage wearing nothing very much, but what they did wear was sparkly, while others decided that they were happy with a significant fat loss but didn't want to compete against the other sparkly, well toned and honed bodies.

So one of my first questions was - how come we're not eating the same way as the body sculptors / body builders - and no ladies there is no way you will look like a bloke if you lift weights (but more of that in another post). I've seen how obsessed these people are with their clean eating, you could literally see the weekly changes as the fat disappeared - and their facebook photos proved it - daily. Sure they also worked their respective tushes off in the gym, but one thing I now know - you cannot out train a poor diet. You want to strip body fat, you need to eat properly. And believe me when I say (because I saw the nutritional programs this guy created) it was real food, minimal vitamins and supplements based on gender and none of the sports supplements that are VERY big business. Now I'm not saying his way is the only way, but I saw his way work, many times and his champions are still returning to take on the next generation of would be competitors.

The second ah-ha moment came when I decided to complete a diploma in personal nutrition. I could see where the body sculpting came into the mix and - with that new found knowledge (and I must admit - a distinction in the final exam) I now know what I've been doing wrong all these years and I am down 5 kilos already.
By the way I've also recycled all of my faddy diet books.

So what is the take away (excuse the pun) behind all of this:
  • You cannot out train a bad diet. All the exercise in the world will not give you the body you say you want if you don't get the food component right.
  • You need to understand your own base metabolic requirements (there are proper ways to determine your individual requirements - and these need to be recalculated as you lose weight) - you know that plateau, yes it doesn't happen if you recalculate your energy requirements.
  • Adult males on average need just 2,500 calories / day, Women the average is 2,000. Children that daily average is just 1,800, and some foods can provide all of those calories in one very huge sitting if you think about portion control - and to be fair most of us have no idea what a true portion size of most foods are.
  • No food is taboo - but when you understand the hidden calories, the concentration of salts, fats and sugars in most of the processed foods and just how many actual calories there are you will automatically steer away from those in the higher brackets towards foods that are in the healthier ranges.
  • I would recommend that everyone takes a basic nutritional course - to understand the science behind it all, it was actually fascinating and a long time since my human biology classes - and I'm sure we didn't focus on nutrition.

There are many nutritional courses and many sound diet principles available, but to lose weight and keep it off you need to be ready to change.

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I'm going to stop sleep walking through life STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Ready to change DATE: 05/30/2015 07:22:36 AM ----- BODY:
"I traded lots of  dreams for a bigger paycheck, and i never realised i was doing it"
Mitch Albom in Tuesdays With Morrie

I hadn't traded my dreams for a bigger paycheck, my pay check barely covered my ever growing bills and life as a single parent. I thought I didn't mind the lack of money, I was doing work that was important.

And then it stopped - that "important" work, the money had been shrinking and I came to the sad realisation that I had traded my dreams for a job and one that most people think they can do regardless of whether they can or not.

Yes thanks Napoleon "the graveyards are indeed full of indispensable men" and I had forgotten that major fact.

I was asked a question yesterday, it made me squirm as I've been asking myself this exact same question for some time. No I don't need motivating, I just need a new direction.
  • What do I want to do?
  • What excites me?
  • Where is my passion?
I've no idea, I think it's off traveling somewhere, if you find it can you send it home?
And in that sentence I knew.

It doesn't need to come home, I need to set forth knowing we will coincide down the road less traveled and far from the madding crowds (thanks for my literary upbringing for those pertinent references to my future and current life). I write better when I am immersing myself in new places, new experiences and finding new people and the real me is off somewhere having a ball around the states.

"most of us all walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half -asleep, doing things automatically think we have to do" Morrie Schwarz

I'm not going to do that anymore.

Anyone else want to join me on my journey?

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: At the end of the day or how to love the life you live STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/15/2015 12:54:38 PM ----- BODY:

"Look at a day when you feel supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing. It's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it." ~ Margaret Thatcher

Take a good look at your to do list for today, this week and what is left of the month.

Inspired?

Truth is, what is on the lists of almost everyone who "works" is a combination of boredom and drudgery.

Do this, do that, do something else. Repeat day after day until we eventually retire, then we can do something exciting, something we really want to do...

Of course there will be some people reading this, who have given up the mundane for a life of challenges, of excitement, of doing things that are just a little bit scary because they can, and more importantly because they can no longer cope with the daily drudgery.

Imagine for just a moment you could do anything you wanted to do today, what would your to do list look like?

Now compare the two, which list would you rather be looking at?

What steps can you take today to make the exciting a reality?

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: I spoke dead broad country English today - or what happens when you are not consciously creating STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 06/22/2015 10:13:25 AM ----- BODY:

My daughter was as much horrified as she was amused.

"why are you speaking so English"
"I am English"
"not like that..."

Ashby castleThe truth is she can't remember what it's like to speak broad country English, even though she did. We are from country Leicestershire FTW, granted she (and the rest of us) left that part of the world when she was just a little over 4 years old, and learned her formative speaking from her peer groups. She had a Geordie as one of her favourite day care people, the school she and her brother frequented was the most multicultural school I've ever come across, and please bear in mind Leicester has a huge range of ethnicities who make the city and its surrounds their home. Consequently my daughters speech pattern growing up was a varied mish mash of tones, dialects and varietal slang. Then she grew into her "strine" (think Kath and Kim and you will know what I mean) and now I am wondering why she was complaining about my native English accent.
To be honest I'm not exactly sure why I reverted back to dead broad English today, it may have something to do with telling the kids off for being so loud when I was working. Or just the fact that I have been working all weekend and I am way overtired, but it does seek to emphasize a very important point.

You do have to be on guard when you are in the process of changing that it can be easy to slip back into old patterns, habits and behaviours.

So how long have I been in Australia for?

Almost 20 years.

We are all a work in progress.

With many thoughts


Elle


p.s. what do you revert back to when you aren't consciously creating the new you?

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2014 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Above and beyond - Or the law of sowing and reaping STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits DATE: 07/01/2015 12:16:19 PM ----- BODY:

habitsDo you get what you give out?

I personally think you get back far more than what you give - negative or positive.
Say for instance that you decide today you are going to plant some vegetable seeds and you don't bother to prepare your garden bed, what are you going to get? You might be lucky and get something back, but what effort did you put into it?

Answer - not very much so your "harvest" is not going to be very big is it.

Now you might decide to blame the seeds - stupid things didn't grow, or you might blame the soil, the weather for not providing the right conditions, but do we blame ourselves for not doing what we know we should have done? Of course we don't. Why blame ourselves when there are so many other handy things to blame for our lack of harvest.

*grumble, grumble* my raise wasn't as big as Fred's - I mean what's Fred done that I didn't do?

And the classic "It's not fair" "It's not my fault" mantra that always accompanies these kinds of people.

Of course there will be occasions when you do do the right thing and bad things still happen. Do you grumble about them or do you say, well you know what I might have done things differently, and now I know what I know, next time I most definitely will.
If that is the case (and I believe it is) - what happens if you prepare the ground before you plant your seeds? You spend some time and you remove the weeds and add nutrients to the soil. Then you create the little furrows and gently drop the seeds into the warmth, then add a little bit of water to encourage their germination. Over the coming days and weeks you add a little more water, make sure the weeds aren't taking over and the local creatures aren't digging holes and one day when you go out, you notice the little green tufts. Now it's getting exciting. You add a bit more water, make sure the babies are getting their nourishment and slowly but surely those babies become ready for harvesting.

The care you've given to your crop has yielded so much you can't use it all, your freezer can't take any more, so what do you do? Do you leave it to go bad or do you share some of your good fortune?

What would happen if you said to your friends and neighbours, hey I've planted all this amazing stuff and I've got so much would you like some? What are they going to say - no thanks. Well they might if they're not into whatever it is you've grown, but it's very unlikely.

Now think about the last great idea you had, did you keep it to yourself, or did you share it? You may of course think something like "I'm not going to say anything, someone might steal it" which is one way to live, or you can say, "hey I've got this great idea, I think it could be life changing, let's tell as many people as we can and see who it can help."

When you go to work, do you go above and beyond your list of duties or did you stick clearly to the description. One thing I know for certain, the ones who get on are the ones who share. Hey remember Fred? Yep he's still going above and beyond and people are still noticing.

And that's what I want you to do today - just do a little bit more than you were going to. It's amazing what you can reap when you cultivate the right amount of attitude, energy, skill and aptitude.

With many thoughts

Elle

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Going through the motions or setting yourself on fire ... which way do you want to live your life? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/14/2015 09:27:54 AM ----- BODY:
"ABILITY is what you're capable of doing. MOTIVATION determines what you do. ATTITUDE determines how well you do it." ~ Lou Holtz

Do you do all that you can as well as you can?
Do you do all that you can and then try just a little bit harder next time?
Or 
Do you do just enough to get by?
If I were to hazard a guess I would say that most of us have times and tasks when all three options are employed.
There will be tasks we don't like.
There will be times when it all seems too hard and then there are times when you take a problem, employ so many tools and techniques to the task / problem in front of you, you smash it into a million bits, and you emerge from the smoke standing grubby but triumphant on the top of the rubble, screaming "BRING IT ON - I AM ON FIRE"
Why that happens is one of those weird things that happen to us. We may have decided that enough is enough, and nothing is going to get in our way. Or someone may have challenged your behaviour and it annoyed you so much you said "I will show them"
Now I am not saying we should smash all our tasks and problems into a million bits, throwing everything we have at them until they lie cowering in a corner. But it's not a bad way to cut through those things that are holding you back.
So, just for today - pick the item that you don't want to face - and I want you to throw everything you've got at it.
Don't know quite what I mean? Well if I asked you to list a hundred ways you could cook an egg - what would you come up with? Once you get the normal answers out of the way, then comes the interesting ones - under a magnifying glass, on the pavement (if you are in a hot country), with a blow torch, lob it into the sun ... there are many ways to tackle problems, yes we can tackle them in traditional ways, but why should we when there are literally hundreds if not thousands of ways of dealing with them.
Have fun and let me know how you got on ...
What was your task / problem you decided to smash?
What did you do? 
You can add the comments here  - 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Gratitude is the best attitude STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 07/27/2015 11:03:06 AM ----- BODY:

Como pier, Western Australia. Picture taken Sunday 26th July 2015Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.
Zig Ziglar

Just before I go to sleep at night, I spend some time running through my list of thank you's ... it's a fabulous way to fall asleep. And on those nights when I have trouble sleeping, I count my blessings even more, and for longer. The more I can say thank you for the things I have, the less I worry about those things I don't.

 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Making mountains out of mole hills STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 08/03/2015 01:01:28 PM ----- BODY:
You know the thing about problems? Truth is, we all have them, usually though our "problems" are nothing more than annoyances, things we need to get done and usually at a time when we may feel we don't have the mental or physical energy to deal with them.

Unless we worry that is, then the minor problems become major ones. We no longer see them clearly, we assign problem status on the hurricane scale, rather than a squall that needs to be dealt with. Worry turns molehill problems into unscaleable mountains. We've all been there. When nothing seems to go right. When everything seems to break down at the same time. When the money runs out. When we have no energy left over, when everything seems to be against us. Then we make mountains out of molehills.

Just for a moment, lets turn that around - what if we threw everything we had at the "problem". The problem is still the molehill, but now we throw the weight of the mountain behind it. If we did that, the molehill would be crushed like an ants nest.

You may argue that you don't have the energy to deal with yet another problem, but the truth is you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Look at what you've already achieved, how many molehills have you stomped on already? How many fires have your extinguished?


the fact is, we could always throw the mountain at the molehill. We can always do so much the problem would be crushed, but most of the time we can't be bothered. it's a problem, it's an annoyance, and if we are honest, we relish the problem because we like to think we have them. If we have problems we have something to whinge about.

What is the biggest problem you are facing right now?

If you are in business, what is the biggest problem your clients are facing right now?

Chances are it's going to be a combination of not enough money and the need for additional clients.

So my question to you is, what are you doing to solve their problem?

Remember what Zig Ziglar said? No, let me remind you - he said "You can have everything in life you want, if you help enough people get what they want".

What do you want?

Chances are it's the same as your clients.

So my challenge for you today is to go all out, throw everything behind the problem as you see it, and when you think you don't have any more to give, throw even more energy and resources behind it. Crush it.

What happens then is interesting.

As you begin to throw your energy and resources against the problem, you are not looking at the problem any more, but the solution. And there are many solutions to any problem. If I asked you to write down 200 ways you could double your money, what would you write. Once you've gone through the obvious ways, then it becomes interesting.

That is one of the reasons why the 100 day challenge was created. To force us to look at what we did, and ask us to do more than we thought we were capable of, and all we had to do was look at it in this way for 100 days. What can you achieve in 100 days? Of course it's up to you, but look at it this way. If you think that 100 days is too much try for 1 day. Do all that you can today, then do even more, throw everything you've got at it, after all it's just for one day. Then tomorrow, you do it all over again. Repeat 99 more times, and you will have achieved some amazing things.

Is 1 day too much, then try for 1 hour.

Can't imagine doing that for 1 hour then break it down so you can't fail. Can you read for 1 minute? Can you make 1 phone call? Can you write a single email?

Our persistence muscle is just like any other - it takes time to create, but once you've got it, you will never look back.

Go all out, throw everything behind the solutions to your problems and you won't have them any more.


Elle

 Are you ready to go all out? Then take the 100 day challenge ...

---------------------------
Let's Connect:
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Sunset in Jerome, or what can happen if you plan your life well STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Motivation techniques CATEGORY: Bucket List DATE: 08/19/2015 12:56:16 PM ----- BODY:
Sunset - Jerome, Arizona and Mike's birthday 2015
I tell you this for a couple of very good reasons.

It is almost 5 months since we were standing on the top of the mountain watching the sun go down after a near perfect day on our annual road trip. We'd passed through the town a year before. That time it was more luck than judgement after "sarge" a retired E5 from a teeny place called Florence mentioned a more scenic route to the one we had planned while we drank margaritas in an old saloon, in old downtown. Little did we know just how "scenic" it was going to be with the hair pin bends, slow moving trucks and impatient tourists (not us I hasten to add) while we climbed several thousand feet to the summit - albeit in our rental 4WD, and eventually down the other side which turned out to be even more 'scenic". But it was the stop in the middle of the town that had us say - we have got to come back next year. And I hope we can make it back for a 3rd year in a row...

Amazing what happens when you plan.

In our case, flights are booked. The itinerary is mapped. Stops are worked out. Things to see and do are factored into the mix, and along the way you get chance to see just how small and insignificant we all are.

As it turned out, we timed our trip to the summit in Jerome with Martina Navratilova being in the same town on the same day. And as the day drew to a close there was an open mic session that was both brilliant and random being held at the Connor Hotel where we had organised to stay for the night. And no, we didn't sing anything but happy birthday after I asked "Cheap Sunglasses" if they could help Mike celebrate, which in itself was fantastic.

Seriously, you should go if you haven't been there already, and if you are lucky and it's open mic night, you might get serenaded too.

What was once a copper mining town, a place of madams and men with money and places to spend it (if you get my meaning) to a place that has seen another set of people seeking their fame and fortune take over the town site - the artists, the weavers, jewelers and artisans, craftsmen and women who craved a slower way of life, doing what they love to do.

And for us an overnight stay on a 3 week tour that allowed us to stop, take stock and marvel at just how much we had managed to get done in the lead up to the trip, and what we had managed to fit into such a short space of time.

Now you may not have a trip to Jerome planned, but I would recommend regardless of whether you are going to visit Jerome or not is having a series of firm, cannot get out of deadlines set.

Why?

Because goals without a deadline are rarely achieved in a timely manner.

So - first decide what you really want the next couple of days / weeks / months and yes you can extend this to years - to be like ... then add these things to your calendar. Think of it like a flight you cannot miss. Then go to work to make it happen.

Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.




----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Don't live life vague STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Goal setting CATEGORY: Goal achievement CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/19/2015 10:05:50 AM ----- BODY:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream - C. S. Lewis
Some people are fortunate, they know what they want and they work out what they need to do to reach that goal.
Others don't have a clue and end up living their lives according to the people around them.
There is another set of people though who I would like to mention. These are the people who think they know what they want. Sometimes they hit the mark and sometimes they don't and the reason why is quite simple. Their goal (destination) is vague.
I was at a networking function on Wednesday. There was the usual round of small business speak, who had referred the most, who had brought the most guests. There was a lot of "look at me, look at me, look at me" but not very many people who I managed to speak to during their version of speed networking who could tell me who they were, what they did or what they wanted their businesses to be like at some point in the future. It was a very long night and I left feeling rather uninspired.
So let me take you back to our annual road trip, and I use it for very good reasons.

We had a major deadline, well two actually - the day we left Perth and the day we had to leave California to come home.
But we had a myriad of other deadlines we had to keep. If we didn't keep one, the rest didn't happen and when you have booked car hire, accommodation in a dozen places and organised enough time to get from each A to B you will understand just how complicated road trips can be. We also managed to visit 4 states this year - California (of course because that's where we landed), Nevada, New York and Arizona and the logistics of leaving cars and bags, catching internal flights and associated transport made for what could have been a stressful time. But it wasn't, because it was planned and executed.

You may say it all sounds too regimented and where is the fun in traveling all that way to do even more traveling? And you may be right. But what we saw was simply amazing. This year we managed to build in a trip through death valley, we climbed (albeit in a car - Mt Lemmon), we watched the sun set over the Empire State Building while having cocktails, walked through a snowy Times Square and Central Park and visited with the Statue of Liberty, and spent time at Ground Zero and those were just some of the things we did and places we saw.

What a road trip says to me, is this:

I do know that if I want to get anything of significance achieved, I need to plan it and I need to work on the plan. I'm still working on the logistics, but I do know what the end will look like, the rest is just a series of details, deadlines and goals.

So to echo my questions to those people I met at the networking event -

Who are you, what do you do, and what do you want to achieve in the next ...

If you can be specific, you will never have to live your life vague.

p.s. The main speaker of the night spoke about giving (by way of referrals) and knowing who he was referencing, decided I should share with the room.
Thanks Ron, if I could suggest some reading for the group, I would highly recommend The Go-Giver by good friends of mine - Bob Burg and John David Mann it really does highlight what Ron has been sharing with everyone here tonight.
p.p.s We are getting close to 100 days left to the end of the year ... are you ready to set some new goals and finish the year strong? Take the 100 day challenge.


----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 days challenge - days 1-10: Do you need to take multivitamins? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 09/23/2015 01:54:18 PM ----- BODY:

Motivate Me!
100 Days Challenge - Days 1-10

It is that time of year again...yes it is 100 days until the end of the year... and so the challenge begins anew.

Over the next 100 days we will be looking at 10 separate areas of our lives, with the hope that a few suggestions become new habits and we can discard old habits and behavours that are no longer serving us.

Participation is mandatory, and I expect status reports after each segment...

Seriously.

Over the next 100 days we will be looking at 10 different areas of our lives, and I will offer some suggestions as we reach each milestone as to what you might like to look at / change / alter.

Days 1-10 we will be looking at health and well-being
Days 11-20 = Home and living
Days 21-30 = Family and friends
Days 31-40 = Giving (Pay it forward)
Days 41-50 = Personal and / or professional development
Days 51-60 = Exercise
Days 61-70 = Travel / Getting out and about
Days 71-80 =  Work
Days 81-90 = To don't list
Days 91-100 = Fun stuff

Yes we know it could be any which way, but for now these are the areas we will be looking at, and in that order.
From today and for the next 10 days I would like you to look at your health and well being.
So, some suggestions as to what you might like to look at

1. Double your water intake
2. Double the number of vegetables and / or salad stuff you consume
3. Halve the number of biscuits you eat or cigarettes you smoke each day
4. Add 10 minutes of walking to your normal exercise routine
5. Add 10 minutes of meditation to your day
These are just suggestions. You may choose one or choose them all, or choose something that you have been meaning to do and haven't yet done.
For example: I have added another one to my own 10 day of 100 day challenge and that is to be consistent with adding vitamins and minerals to my diet (see pic above). I remember on some days and not others... because I simply forget to take them and it is usually because I have not organised myself properly. I know that if you have a consitently good diet you may not need them, my diet is not as consistent as I would like, which is why I want to add these consistently to my diet for the next little while - just to see. The other one I am adding to my list for this week along with ensuring I drink at least 1.8L of pure water (not black tea - that's extra) is to make sure I am consistent with 2 and 5 (2 fruit and 5 veg) ... I think I am 95% OK with this one, the check is to make sure I am doing it 100% of the time. Hence the vitamins and minerals addition.

So, for the first 10 days of the 100 day challenge I would ask that you take a look at your health and well being. What do you need to add, what do you need to stop doing, and to make a commitment to yourself for the next 10 days to stick to those new behaviours you have chosen....

Let me know how you get on

We will chat soon

Elle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: 100 Day Challenge: Days 11-20 - Home and Living STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/03/2015 08:02:57 AM ----- BODY:
OK it has only been 10 days, but it has been an incredible 10 days since we launched this year's 100 day challenge. Well it has for been for me.

My tweaked diet is on track. I am now actively counting the number of fruits and vegetables I am consuming, and I will change meals now based on getting more than 5 veg into any one day, just to see what the difference to my overall health will be at the end of the 100 days.

Water - increase has been easy.

Vitamins and minerals - A little planning has been required to ensure I remember to take a spare set just in case I am away from home

Walking and Meditation - Not so easy, Work has been rather busy, so this one gets a B- (could do better). But that is the whole point, it will take time to get things into habit status, so now these items have been cemented. It is time to change direction a little. For the next 10 days we are looking at Home and Living.

It is spring down under, but that doesn't mean you can't take part in the spring cleaning - let's just say it's a clutter clearing exercise.

Again, some suggestions for your 10 day focus:
As we mention, these are just suggestions, please add or subtract to these items and choose several things that would mean you have made a significant change to your lives and home at the end of the 10 days.

Let me know how you get on

We will chat soon

Elle
______________________________________________________________________
Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.
Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: MotivateMe! The 100 Day Challenge - Days 21-30: Family and Friends STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/14/2015 12:51:18 PM ----- BODY:

Following on from the last 10 days where we looked at ways you could improve / challenge the way you live your life at home, I would like us to spend some time looking at our relationships.

There are a number of things I would like you to consider

Who do you like to be around?
Do they make you feel good, bad or indifferent?

Who are you around?
Do they make you feel good, bad or indifferent?

Who should you be around?
Why?

We do need to look at everyone we interact with, and make some decisions - the people we are around can lift us up or they can drag us down.

However, before we ditch family, friends and associates there is someone else we need to throw into this equation.

And that is YOU

As Michael Jackson quite rightly pointed out

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change"

No one to my mind is perfect, we all - always need to make sure we are being the best person we can possibly be.

So my challenge to you over this current 10 day period is to:

Be mindful of who you are around. 
Are they good - bad - indifferent to your health and well being

Then I want you to turn it around and look at what you are offering those people who you interact with, are you good - bad - indifferent towards them - why?

Nurture yourself, begin to look at your habits, speech patterns, communication styles and skills and consider this

If I change something for the better how will that impact on everyone around me?

And a second challenge if that isn't enough to be working on. I would like you to do one random act of kindness. There is a lot of talk going around about paying it forward. Well - that is what I am asking you to do. Pay it forward, knowing there is nothing in it for you except a feeling of doing something good for someone else because you can. Now you may be like me and do this already - so if that is you, your challenge is to go a bit further and do something outrageous, something that FB will talk about in a good way for ever.
The challenges are set... are you up for it?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where 
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: MotivateMe! The 100 Day Challenge - Days 31-40 - Giving (Pay it forward) and a birthday celebration STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/23/2015 03:24:23 PM ----- BODY:
Well it has been quite a week, my mum arrived from England a week ago to share and celebrate her 75th birthday with the aussie side of the family. She has just headed to bed after a 12 hour full on day that started with breakfast at home with myself and my kids (her grands), followed by a trip up the coast to Hillarys Boat Harbour, a pit stop for Poisonberry (sorry Boysenberry) ice cream in Scarborough Beach (that was mum BTW not me), a quick change and then onto High Tea at the Duxton, drinks in the lobby bar and topped off with a night of Bossa Nova at the Ellington Jazz club.

And did I mention that we have a massive weekend lined up.

Last week my partner and love of my life (apart from my kids and ma of course) was in England touching base with his family, and while he was away I managed to spring clean his place - ssssh don't tell him - as well as doing everything else. Sure I was tired, that along with working, sightseeing, and catching up on the village gossip, but sometimes you just have to pull out all the stops.
So how was your week?

For the next 10 days I would like you to look at the ways you give back to your community.

Most of you already give back in many ways - you may tithe part of your income, pay for the coffee in the line behind you or visit the elderly in hospital. There are a million different ways we can give back. For Mike and I, it has been with time. time spent with our families, time spent cleaning and tidying, and today sharing time and energy to give a lady a birthday she won't forget in a hurry.

Over the next 10 days, I would like to ask you to pull out all the stops and really give back to a person or a community / organisation that means a great deal to you.

Can you do that?

Of course you can.

What do you get in return? You'd be surprised at what happens when you just give without expectation of anything in return.

Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: MotivateMe! Giving STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 10/28/2015 01:32:19 PM ----- BODY:
As you know the current challenge is giving, giving without expectation of anything in return...
Well as you know I all about challenging even those kinds of challenges, so I want to throw in an another thought.
When you don't think you can give any more, try again.
I was in the supermarket and offered a set of collectors cards, I said thanks but I wasn't collecting and to give my cards to the next person who was... the teenage boy with the family in the queue next to me looked really hopefully at the person on checkout and was handed the cards... and I got the biggest smile and a huge THANK YOU in return.

Little things

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
Thomas A Edison

Don't give up, try again, you never know whose life you are going to impact when you try just one more time...including yours.

Ready to take on the challenge?

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." - Ida Scott Taylor

The 100 day challenge: Life change program and action workbook contains 220 pages, with 100 individual challenges, questions to consider and actions to take, along with 100 workbook pages, and suggestions on how to use the challenge. These work pages are your journey to bigger and better things. The pages can either be printed out so you can write these pages by hand, or you can edit the workbook on screen. You will have a place to review and reflect on what you would like to achieve over the period of 100 days, and you have a handy "achievement" table to keep you on track.

- See more at: http://www.motivateme.info/challenge/

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: MotivateMe! The 100 Day Challenge - Days 51-60 - Exercise or Drop and Give me 20 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 11/16/2015 02:07:23 PM ----- BODY:

MotivateMe!
Providing Strategies to Overcome the Procrastination Habit with a Daily Dose of Motivational Medicine.

You know how I said I probably wouldn't do any more formal study ...

Well an opportunity came my way and I am all about saying yes to opportunity - so I am signed on to undertake a Diploma in Digital Marketing in the New Year.

What about the NLP I mentioned last time?

I confess I did not find time during the last 10 days to look into that - so I will add that to my overall life plan and I will let you know how that progresses because I know it will play a very important part in my (and your) future as we move forwards.

But that was the last 10 days, what of the current 10 days?
Well this one is very popular with myself and my challengers - that's you by the way

For instance I have a good friend in Christchurch New Zealand who takes my challenges very seriously and uses them to really challenge his mind and his body.  200 push ups - no problem by the end of one challenge, a complete somersault on a snow board (I've seen the pics) insane, but OMG - at the end of another.

Kevin my crazy Kiwi friend this one is dedicated to you :-) Love you to bits.

I am coming out of a torn shoulder rotator cuff injury that has taken far too long to heal and I miss my gym sessions, but over the current 10 day period I am going to attempt to get back into push ups. I was able to do boy (fully prone) push ups until then, and did 62 or was it 72 in one session - multiples of sets. I know I am not fit enough to do that at the moment but it I can get to 20 girly ones without injuring myself again I will be happy. Ecstatic actually. Time to test the mind and the body again and that is what the 100 day challenge is all about.

So - my friends, what are you going to attempt to improve your exercise / flexibility / strength during the current 10 day challenge?

I look forward to the pics, comments and suggestions.


Elle

p.s. yes that is me overcoming my fear of heights on an indoor rock wall...

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: MotivateMe! 100 Day Challenge - The next steps STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/04/2015 09:19:28 PM ----- BODY:

Its 5am and next doors party has been going on now for something like 9 hours, at various decibel levels, and it doesn't sound like it's going to stop any time soon.

So how was your Friday night?

I had plans to do a lot over the last 9 hours, some of that was actually sleep, but hey you don't always get what you want in life and sometimes it is through no fault of your own. But in the main, we are totally responsible for where we are and what we have achieved.


I can tell you that the last 10 days has disappeared into a blur. I was practising what I preach and I was getting out and about. 
I haven't come to any firm conclusions yet, we are if nothing else a work in progress.
 
So what of the next 10 days
 
I would like you to consider the following words spoken at a commencement speech by Steve Jobs - he said
 
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
 
And in particular the work you are currently doing:
 
What changes do you need to make?
 
As we move into the "silly season" and most employers and business owners look at ways they say thank you to the people who have helped their businesses to grow. I would as you all to look at your working year.
And I challenge you to be honest with yourself.
 
If today was the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?

I promise we will speak again very soon

Elle

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: When I listen to people explain their "problems" I realise I am the luckiest man alive STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 12/09/2015 12:13:56 PM ----- BODY:
I share office space with Chris, he's a psychologist. but there is one minor caveat - he des not know about Motivate Me ... As you know I wear many different hats, but ...

He was between clients today and stopped by for a brief chat on his way to the kitchen for a cup of fortifying tea.

You know Elle, he said, when I listen to my clients share their problems I have to wonder. I offer them solutions to their problems and week after week they come to my office and nothing changes.

That's because they like being the victim. Being a victim means they don't have to change, they can blame everyone else for their woes. It's not their fault, it's everyone else s ...

You know, you are so right - while they are blaming the government, their families, the stress they are under for making them overeat or drink too much, they don't have to make changes.

Why would they - they love where they are, they may say they don't - but in reality of course they do. I said to him, Chris I could not do your job, and I thank everything that is good that you can.

Elle, you are such a breath of fresh air ... now I can continue.

We can all be guilty of staying stuck. I know I was. Now I know I have the absolute power to be anything I want.

Oh and by the way - the pic is a sign of what 2016 is going to be like for me ... so unless you want to be written into a plot line or two ...

What are your goals for 2016?

Elle

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's Connect
Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
Shhis e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message isgoing into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mailaddress to your safe senders list. Thank you
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise.All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do notshare, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me! The 100 Day Challenge - Your to don't list STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/18/2015 01:03:45 PM ----- BODY:
We are into the last couple of weeks of the year and therefore the challenge.

This challenge is simple, yet complex because it forces us to look at our daily habits.

Imagine for just one moment you are the Director of a small business and you were planning the next 12 months. Around now you would be frantically finishing the year strong. Sales, offers, reasons for clients and customers to return in the new year. You've said your thank you's, sent appropriate cards, taken gifts to those people who have made your business the success it is today and now you are winding down. End of the year, you can relax now, can't you?

Of course you can, but before you do that, you need to review your year.

What worked, what didn't, what lessons did you learn, what can you do differently in the new year that means you will get a much better outcome at the end of 2016.

You may say to me, but I don't own a company.

2 things

If you work for a company - you should be doing this, either on your own or preferably with your colleagues, and hopefully the "boss" will do it too. And more importantly -

You are the Director of your own life, so why wouldn't you review your year just like any business owner would?

Some things for you to think about as you begin that process:

Looking at your results - where can you make some changes?

We will speak again very soon
Elle

---------------------------

Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2015 Motivateme.info except where 
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Thursday - the wasted day of the week - OR - At midnight we all turn into pumpkins STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: 100 day challenge DATE: 12/30/2015 06:38:04 PM ----- BODY:

For those of you who have been waiting for the New Year before beginning your journey to better things - this is it, just a few more hours and you can unleash your game plan to the world.

Are you excited?

It's like being on the starting line before a big race, just slightly nervous, you've warmed up, stripped off the extra layers that kept your muscles warm and now you're bouncing up and down on your toes just waiting for the starters gun.

Will you win? Of course you're going to win. You've visualised the race in all it's detail, you've practiced and trained and trained some more. Come on starters gun I'm waiting.

Well - there's not long to wait now, midnight tonight, and you can GO FOR IT!

Do you see how silly that is?

Yes, January 1st is a good day to begin living your new life, but so is any moment of any day. You really don't have to wait until midnight otherwise we might just turn into pumpkins.

I want to mention something we cover on Day 93 of the 100 day challenge and it's this:

Day 93 - Is Thursday the wasted day of the week?

“This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

I know, today is probably not Thursday (ironically as I write this, the clock has just ticked over to Thursday 31/12/15), but given we are only 7 days away from completing the challenge, I just want to make sure you are not wasting a single moment of every day.

But why mention Thursday?

If you are anything like most people, you will have had a good start to the working week. But by Thursday it can seem like the week is taking forever to come to an end. Not quite Friday and not quite the weekend. So what do we do?

We can all be guilty of frittering away time, of watching the clock rather than our priorities.

Today I want you to forget that you are a mere 7 days out from completing your challenge. And I want you to push harder than you have ever pushed yourself before.

Think of it like Midnight the day before your quarterly figures are due. Or you are going to be late for an appointment.

Work hard

Work harder

Your results depend on it.

Your results do depend on it. So while you are waiting for the clock to tick over to midnight, take just one thing that you were going to do tomorrow - and do it today. That's it, you are off, the race is well and truly on and you can get ahead of the rest of the world who are waiting for some imaginary point in the future to begin living their lives.

Best

Elle

p.s. The 100 day challenge provides you with 100 ways in 100 days to turbo-charge your life and your results. What people are saying about the challenge.











----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: New Day, New Canvas - Just don't paint the same picture as yesterday STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Habits CATEGORY: Change Management DATE: 01/01/2016 01:11:51 PM ----- BODY:

January 1st 2016 a new day, a blank canvas on which to create your masterpiece.

You are given a blank canvas on which to work - every single day. And every day we have the opportunity to create a dazzling day, filled with colour and vibrancy.
 
Unfortunately, some people think they are given the same one, and they haul out the same one, and re-paint the same lines. It's easier you see. They may change one or two colours - but day after day, they paint the same picture.

Can you imagine getting to the end of your life and having to walk down a corridor with your daily paintings hanging on the walls? How scary would it be to see the same thing? Row upon row of the same picture, an endless stream of monotony, interspersed occasionally with the odd picture that stands out, a day that was “special” in some way.
 
You pause for a moment, to reflect, but then as you return to the walk down the corridor the paintings return to the same themes again and again. You stop and try to go back to that picture you saw earlier, but it’s no longer there. You have to keep walking, past picture after picture of drudgery.

Now imagine what it would be like to walk down a corridor where the walls are lined with vibrancy. You would walk quickly towards the next one, to see what new and exciting things you had done. You would smile, you would frown, and you would remember the happy times, the sad times, and the days of pure bliss. Each day the painting was filled with something different.

The question is what would your paintings look like? Would they be filled with the same kinds of images day after day, or would your pictures be filled with lots of different things and memories?

Only you can decide if 2016 is going to look exactly like 2015 and the many years before that.

You have 366 days to decide


Let's Connect

Connect with me on any or all of the following, I can even be found on Pinterest and G+ if you are really motivated :-)
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2016 Motivateme.info except where indicated otherwise. 
All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: So I turned myself to face me STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivation CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 01/11/2016 11:49:53 AM ----- BODY:

Motivate Me!
Live your life so the whole world mourns your passing

I said that to my son today. I'm not sure he got it as he is yet to find and make his mark on the world.
We can also be forgiven for thinking we have all the time we want. Until you see the likes of Lemmy and now David Bowie moving out of this realm into the next.

It reminded me of something I said way back when I wrote Ready to Confess...

I was not being true to myself, I was afraid to be me. Of course there were rare exceptions, usually when I achieved something momentous. But those times were few and far between.

I was reminded of the song “Changes” by David Bowie, in it he says: “I turned myself to face me, and I never caught a glimpse”.

Don't live your life vague, make a difference - to you, to someone you love, to the people you work with, to the people who look up at you with a question in their eyes.

Only you can do that.

Live YOUR life so the world mourns your passing.

VALE Ian Kilmister and David Bowie. The world is a smaller place with your passing.

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Motivate Me to Eat the Darn Frog STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action DATE: 01/13/2016 01:04:47 PM ----- BODY:

My stupid cat managed to catch a frog and bring him home and into the house before he spat him out - pfft, pffft, pffffft ...

I managed to catch the poor thing and returned him to my neighbours pond, needless to say he hasn't done that since. but I didn't stop laughing for ages at the disgusted look on the cat's face as you could see him desperately trying to clean his tongue...

That was some time ago, but when I was thinking about this post, it came back to me.

“If you eat a frog first thing in the morning that will probably be the worst thing you do all day.” – Mark Twain

It's taken me a long time (years I must admit), but I've made a conscious decision at the beginning of 2016 and I have now changed the way I work.
I now do the "hard" stuff first
I don't wait until I am "in the mood" or when "I feel like it" I get on and do what needs to be done.
I've embraced the telephone and started cold calling. I still don't "like it" but I know that what I offer is something that other people need, and I know that if I talk to enough people I will reach those who want what I am offering.
I've still got the to do list by my side, but at the top of each page are the MUST DO TODAY items and they are now completed first.
Today that paid off. One lady who said, I have been thinking about it. I've got your details and I will call you back when I've made up my mind (note to self, add that person back onto the call list for a week's time). She called back this afternoon. An appointment is booked for tomorrow. (Note to self - remove diary note).

Embrace the "hard" it's what makes us grow

With love and light and lots of tasty froglets for breakfast

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: What if you could create your future as your remembered past? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Action CATEGORY: Motivational Stories CATEGORY: Law of Attraction DATE: 01/23/2016 08:53:14 AM ----- BODY:
Do you remember when you were:
  • rich
  • successful
  • thin
  • best settling author
  • proud parent of 1 or 2 (kids, fur kids)
How about when you were
  • broke
  • disheartened
  • couldn't find a partner
  • had a small house and nothing in it?
How easy was it for you to think positively about the first and answer with infinite clarity about the second
Let me put it this way.

I was brought up in a single income household for most of my formative years. My parents grew most of their own fruit and vegetables to supplement the protein we were able to get.  I remember walking through rain drenched fields with my parents and siblings picking field mushrooms, chestnuts and bramble fruits that grew wild near our home.
But I never remember being without.

So we didn't have a phone or a car for many years. The first we would get, the second I wouldn't get until I was in my late teens and I borrowed my boyfriends car occasionally.

Aunty HazelI was the first in my family to get a degree, and the first to go beyond the confines of the county where I was born (with the exception of my dad before I knew him when he was in the army during the Cyprus conflict and his sister who sadly I didn't know. The only pic I have of her is one of her in her uniform). But they both went home to the village where they were born (as was I) and died there.

For all you know I made most of that up. I didn't but that doesn't mean you believe it or me.

The truth is we all have stories we tell about our pasts and our successes and if we want to share them, our miserable failures.

But what if today you were to sit down and think about your future as if it had already happened... Neville Goddard called it - do you remember when ...

Do you remember when you were able to star in that Broadway Musical - I know, you were absolutely amazing.

When you start remembering when - you will be amazed when the opportunities begin to show up in your life. It's called synchronicity, law of attraction, getting out of the motivational funk or thinking positive stuff for a change. The point is - if we act on those things we remembered doing, yeah you guessed it

With love and light and many congratulations

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: How to lose more than $1400 a year without noticing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Business Management CATEGORY: Business Philosophy DATE: 02/17/2016 02:08:34 PM ----- BODY:
When good coffee isn't a good enough reason to go back!

We've been visiting one small cafe in the heart of the city for more than 10 years. We kept going because the coffee was good, and has remained consistently good even though the barista has changed many times and so have the owners. The current owner is the third one and the last we will see.

But let me go back to the subject line of this message. $1400 a year is a conservative amount, sometimes it can be much more than that, it depends on whether or not I choose to have my breakfast there on a Saturday or just the coffee while the other members of our party eat and drink.

So why are we moving on after all this time?

Did they change the coffee beans?

Actually they didn't. 

It's just that after 2 years of going there nearly every weekend since the cafe changed hands again, the owner still doesn't know our names or what we prefer to eat and drink. Sometimes she remembers to smile, but most of the time she doesn't. Last Saturday the party waited 15 minutes to get a table - the owner walked past several times and didn't acknowledge them. It was only because I was late arriving that the party stayed there at all. If I'd been earlier, we would have gone elsewhere. 

Let's now compare that to a scruffy little pub which we go to maybe once a month or less. After the third visit, the bar people knew what we drank. 

Or the cafe we sometimes go to on a Sunday. After not going there for a couple of weeks, because we wanted to try somewhere else - the main server was 'where have you been, I've been worried. Usual for everyone." And she gave us a loyalty discount. 
As a business owner it is vital you know who your loyal customers are. Like I said we may have been worth less than $2,000 a year to this one cafe owner, but if you multiply that by other loyal customers who choose to take their hard earned money elsewhere and you've got a disaster waiting to happen.

Look after the loyal ones, they're hard to find, but treat them right *smile* *hello* and you might keep their business for a lifetime.

Any good ideas for a cafe in Perth on a Saturday morning gratefully received.
Let's Connect
---------------------------
http://au.linkedin.com/in/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/ellegb
http://www.twitter.com/Motiv8ateMe
http://www.facebook.com/ellegb
---------------------------
Share this e-zine:
---------------------------
We would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue onto
family, friends and any other interested readers. If you find that this message is
going into the canned meat product folder can you please add my e-mail
address to your safe senders list. Thank you.
---------------------------
All contents Copyright (c) 2005/2016 Motivateme.info except where 
indicated otherwise.

All rights reserved worldwide. No Spamming or List Sharing - We do not
share, nor give out, our subscription list to third parties.

 

 

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Stretch yourself, then stretch yourself even further STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Personal development CATEGORY: Motivational Quotes CATEGORY: Motivational Stories DATE: 03/28/2016 11:46:18 AM ----- BODY:
"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions"
Oliver Wendell Holmes

Would you go back to how you were just a few days ago?
How about a few weeks or months?
How about years?

It's an interesting set of questions don't you think. There are some things I do miss about the "old" me - I was fitter and I was definitely skinnier - I have to work at both of those now, but in most other ways I am a quantum leap better than I was in the "good old days". I think I've learned from my mistakes, but I know without a shadow of a doubt I will make a few gazillion more as I grow and change. And that is important. But going back into my dim and distant past there are a couple of points I would like to make.
There are some things I wish I could have done differently, done better or not done at all. I am also glad I grew up before digital cameras and what we know as the Internet today - most of my mistakes aren't documented for the entire world to see and find. All I am hoping for now is that my old friends have really bad memories :-)

As you move forwards, it is important to remember where you have come from and what you have achieved. These are important because they are the reminders you need when you have the odd moment of doubt. When you are struggling with something new - remember -  you did all that, well my friend you can do this too.

Reflection in this way is important because you can use it as a springboard for your next successes.

And if you are still in doubt about your abilities, get out your journals and read the story of your life so far. It makes for fascinating reading - believe me.

To your next successes

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Do it anyway, what have you got to lose? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 CATEGORY: Motivational Quotes CATEGORY: Motivation techniques DATE: 04/06/2016 01:21:57 PM ----- BODY:
10,000 hours

That is the supposed number of hours it takes for the non-gifted try hard, try harder, try again folk who would like to master a certain skill - until it becomes second nature kind of people.

In other words, we want to master something - we have a go, we have another go, we fail, we try again, we fall down, we get back up, we give up, we curse and decide whether or not we are willing to keep at it or ... we stop that, decide we're no good, not gifted, will never be gifted and pick something else to try. Yes you know what happens then. Because it's new, we try, try again and you can repeat until the cows come home.

So what is the answer.

One of the things people like Steve Chandler like to advise people to do, and I am slowly getting round to believing that is this

Fake it until you make it - or

If you want motivation to begin something you need to just start - the rest will follow.

What do I mean by that? Well - How do you get a spark of inspiration?

First you need to light a spark or in other words you need to begin, the inspiration comes after.

Faced with a blank page, you start writing.
Faced with starting a new diet, you begin with the next meal
Faced with getting fit and healthy you begin with your first / next work out
Faced with getting new clients you pick up the phone and speak to someone

It may take time to get your rhythm but if you never start it will never start singing your particular song. How do you think some of the overnight successes became the people they are? That's right - they just kept on doing what they had to do until such time as it became second nature.

Now it may not take you 10,000 hours, although it may seem like it. But if you don't start you won't ever get there.

Do it anyway, what have you got to lose?
With love, light and many boxes of matches

Elle

 

----- -------- AUTHOR: Elle TITLE: Isn't it ironic - don't you think STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 DATE: 04/09/2016 07:50:52 AM ----- BODY:
The city lay huddled under shrouded gray as I hit the freeway north.

Gonna get wet

Didn't bring a hat

Never thought about a coat

Only luck had had me reaching for a sweat top with sleeves rather than the sleeveless version I had intended to wear.

That's the trouble when you go from summer to apparent winter without stopping at Autumn.

That's Perth for you.

If I'd believed the weather forecast I might have cried off this mornings walk.

I'm glad I didn't.

As I approached our Saturday morning pre-walk breakfast spot I'd not seen, felt or heard a single drop of rain fall.

It would arrive but hey I'm not made of either sugar or salt.

Having lived in England for more than 30 years I don't usually let weather stop me. If I want / need to do something I'll do it.

I've weeded gardens, cleaned cars and gone on picnics in the rain. Every guide camp I've ever been on was a wash out. It didn't stop me then, I don't see why apart from extreme heat or cyclones why I should stop now.

I don't understand the concept of waiting until ... to do anything.

If I want something badly enough I will find a way.

If it were a life or death decision you'd do everything in your power and then you'd find even more.
  • More strength
  • More money
  • More resources
You'd rally an army if you had to.

Most of the time though our goals lie somewhere on the brink of boredom.

Lose 30 kilos or die may spur us to lose the weight we said we wanted to drop - but otherwise ...

Wanting to earn a few extra dollars a week is hardly inspirational and unlikely to drag you from your bed in the morning - if it's a few bucks you need, stay in bed and don't buy your normal coffee on the way to work - problem solved. It's just not a good enough motivator.

Ditch the "goals" that sit on the brink of boredom

Find the one thing that is a "life or death" idea, dream, way out there thought and start today. Don't wait until ...

And in the words of Alanis Morissette

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face


Isn't it ironic - don't you think...

With love light and no procrastinating today of all days

Elle

-----