THE POWER OF CHOICE

Eventually your little choices are going to become habits that affect the bigger decisions you make in life. ― Jim George

One of the most powerful attributes of being a human being is the ability to make rational, thought through choices. 

So why is it we so often fail to make use of this powerful ability that is unique to the human race? 

I was recently watching a documentary focused on diabetes, the theme of which was how much pain, suffering and death could be prevented if people would only make better lifestyle choices.

But the fact is, 21^st century living offers so much choice that we end up choosing between items on offer, rather than choosing a lifestyle approach or philosophy. 

In real terms choosing between various brands of cool drinks offering various synthetic sweeteners, low calorie options etc, to choose the least harmful, where the real lifestyle choice would be to choose to drink water instead of any of the above. 

And it is the same with most other choices. 

We tend to filter them through the “gratification filter” instead of cutting to the real choice. 

Does that mean we need to live ascetic, miserable lives with no pleasures? 

No, but it does mean that perhaps we need to consider our choices from broader perspectives. 

The biggest cause of death today is probably the tongue – we satisfy taste before our bodily nutrition needs, and we use it to tell ourselves that this is the way I am, my genes and so on.

It starts with that decision to change my lifestyle, slowly at first perhaps, but with each day building one upon the other.

Remember, today you have the choice between life and death – choose life.

Terri Codd Corporate Training & Life Coach: 076 751 3556: coddterri@gmail.com: terricodd.blogspot.com 

RESILIENCE

Bouncing back when your bounce has gone

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We all have those days when we are hit by a curve ball from out of nowhere, news or events that take the wind out of us completely, leaving us totally deflated. At that moment we cannot see our way ahead, or how we will possibly overcome the situation.

But only at that moment, for like most things, this too will pass, or a solution will be found. What we need to do is actively step into resilience mode, taking ourselves as much as possible out of our emotions and moving into an active process to get ourselves up and going again.

The first step is to allow ourselves some time to indulge, understand and accept the emotions that we are feeling, to become mindful of our true emotional state.

We next need to look at our circumstances with eyes of gratitude: in this bad situation, what can we be thankful for? This can be a really strong weapon in the fight to regroup and get up again.

After this we are better able to look at the situation more optimistically, we are better able to see positive steps that we can start to take, no matter how small.

During this process we must not be too hard on ourselves, we need self- compassion to move us forward. Being too hard on ourselves will only drive us down even further.

Finally, we need to grit our teeth and make the decision to keep moving forward and up, no matter how small the steps may be, or how hard it may become. Little by little we will rise, and the further we go the easier it will become.

Try to avoid making any major decisions until you are feeling more solid , and even then stay mindful of those emotions that may cause strong influence in one direction or another.

It may not be easy, but it is possible to recover from any situation, with understanding, time, effort and determination.

And never underestimate the power of prayer in bringing you peace

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Terri Codd Corporate Training & Life Coach: 076 751 3556: coddterri@gmail.com:: terricodd.blogspot.com 

BE A BETTER MANAGER

1. Manage expectations up front

In order to perform, people need to know what is expected of them. Expectations for timeline and results need to be clearly defined up front. Individuals should certainly have input but you, as manager, may define a more precise process for them to follow. How much flexibility you allow will depend on the capabilities of the individual. 

2. Give continuous feedback

Players at all levels need feedback on their effectiveness. Feedback may be focused on specific tactics and details of how they are doing to help them grow, or may be more strategic rather than tactical, if that person is capable.

3. Advise and don’t dictate

When managing people you should strive to act as an advisor, not a dictator. Your goal is to listen and then give guidance with the expectation that they will come to the right conclusion. This is the best way for them to learn and grow. 

4. Avoid micromanagement

Micromanaging an individual is frustrating and can be highly toxic for your organization. People need to have a level of autonomy to operate their own way. Your focus should always be on the results of the team’s performance and greater productivity.

For more information on how we can assist your team contact:

Terri Codd Corporate Training & Life Coach: 076 751 3556: coddterri@gmail.com: terricodd.blogspot.com