Work Smarter Not Harder

Think about this addage for a moment - are you doing it - professionally and personally?

I was reminded of this addage by my dentist whilst having a filling.

I have begun coaching with his daughter principally to address exam anxiety.

He made the comment that his daughter has a tendency to work really hard - though he questionned her actual productivity and how much she is absorbing.

Perhaps we could spend more time planning before we act by first researching the facts and feelings around an issue and consulting with people who have done it before.

The latter could well throw up lessons learnt that will save us time in acting.

What could be the consequences on our health and relationships if we work smart instead of hard?

What about tracking down a 'smarter not harder' person and seeing what you could learn from them?

Please let feel free to pass on your comments on this blog? Has it inspired you at all?

Alternatively, please take the opportunity to visit my website West of England Coaching and Counselling as I am passionate about improving lives using our mind and would love to hear from you.

Work Life Balance

We hear the term work-life balance a lot - of course it means different things to people. 

Some view life as separate from work - for others work is a substantial part of their life too.

For me having balance in life is when we feel good, contented, happy most of the time. If we don't feel good, having one life, we can consider change.

As a starting point, and by way of assessment, I would like to suggest that you spend a few minutes this weekend on a simple exercise that will help you to find the right balance for you.

There are 168 hours in the week. Work out approximately how you are spending your 168 hours currently in an average week and represent this on a pie chart. For example:

• Sleep - 56 hours
• Work - 50 hours
• Driving / Travelling - 14 hours
• Spending Time with Children - 7 hours
• Spending Time with Partner - 7 hours
• Meals Outside Working Hours - 7 hours
• Reading - 8 hours
• Social Networking / Emails / On-line - 10 hours
• Friends and Family - 4 hours
• Cleaning / Housework / Garden - 5 hours

What does the result tell you? What do you think you are missing which is important to you? What are you spending too much time on and are not happy about?

Develop your 'to be' 168 hours. What initial steps can you take in the next 24 hours, in the next week and in the next month to move closer to the 'work-life' balance that you want?

Wishing you a thought provoking balancing weekend.

Please let feel free to pass on your comments on this blog? Has it inspired you at all?

Alternatively, please take the opportunity to visit my website West of England Coaching and Counselling as I am passionate about improving lives using our mind and would love to hear from you.

An Inspiring Place to Coach and be Coached



Enchanting Coombe Lodge, Blagdon.

From January this year I have based myself in Coombe Lodge, near Blagdon, at the foot of the Mendip Hills, which is truly captivating, idyllic and enchanting.

I feel so lucky to have found this place. What a difference from anywhere that I have worked before -  mostly open plan offices with views of walls and machinery or the back of someone’s head.

My clients are happy to travel out to this beautiful place in the countryside because the location is so perfect for helping them to create change.

Fellow office dwellers tell me that I have the best room as it’s spacious and with the most awe-inspiring views of trees and woodland.

Since being in this place my coaching has reached a new level as I feel inspired by the location in which I work.

Clients have also commented upon the inspiration they get from just being in this place.

Their goals are stretching and, with a better view of their current reality, they are able to see what is required to move forward.

Ideas and options come more easily and are effectively assessed against some helpful criteria before they decide on what steps to take next.

I am a big fan of Tony Robbins who believes that for any change to occur we must first change our environment.

Thank you Tony for sewing the seed in my mind that led me to this wonderful place.

Please let feel free to pass on your comments on this blog? Has it inspired you at all?

Alternatively, please take the opportunity to visit my website West of England Coaching and Counselling as I am passionate about improving lives using our mind and would love to hear from you.