Thought For Today - February

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The Last Minute

Do you leave things until the last minute? If you do, it can put you under pressure & cause stress for others. You’re also less likely to do your best & give things the time they deserve.

But sometimes leaving things till the last minute is the best thing to do. Having less time means you're less likely to get distracted & more likely to get things done faster. And maybe you enjoy the last-minute pressure & work better under pressure.

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Unpack Your Mind

There's so much baggage in our minds, it takes up space and weighs us down. Why not, unpack your mind? Unload all your stress, anxieties and tension, and let go of all the unnecessary stuff.

Unpack, unload and let your mind breathe. Breathe and you'll lighten your mind and make space for clear thinking.

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Stay in Touch

Even though many of us have challenging and complicated relationships with our family, most of us have the intention to stay in touch. But good intentions often get derailed as we get caught in the rhythms and routines of life.

This year, you may want to try a little harder to stay in touch, not because you have to, but because you want to. Call or visit, weekly or monthly, and maintain meaningful connections and sustain supportive relationships.

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February 4

Talk Too Much?

We all know how good it is to talk, but are you guilty of talking too much? Talk too much and we exhaust ourselves and others. And when we talk too much we miss the opportunity to build a rapport.

So, it’s probably a good idea to check yourself as you talk: Have I been talking for too long? Am I being long winded? Have I given the other person a chance to respond?

To be a better conversationalist: Leave space for the other person to talk. Let them speak and then let them speak a bit more.

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February 5

Something New for the Commute

Try something new on the bus, train or tube.

Sit comfortably or stand tall. Feel your feet on the ground and observe your breath. Do this for a bit and you'll start to feel more present and peaceful. Then through your presence, let the feeling of peace reach out to all the other passengers.

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The Stories We Tell Ourselves

We continue to tell ourselves a story about what's happened, what’s happening, what's going to happen....

These stories color how we feel and experience life. So it makes sense to listen to the stories we tell ourselves. If they're not inspiring or honest, edit the narrative to make it empowering and meaningful.

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Keep Your Goals to Yourself?

Do you keep your goals to yourself? Or do you like to share your goals with others? Keep things to yourself and you're likely to talk less about it, which means you put more work into reaching your goals. Share your goals with others and it strengthens your commitment, creates accountability and support, and this helps you to reach your goals.

Share your goals with others or keep them to yourself?

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Eating in Silence

Eating together is a perfect time to converse and catch up. But eating alone is a perfect time to cultivate and experience silence. Silence doesn't mean no noise, it means no conversations, no distractions (no TV, computer, phone....). Bring your attention and energy to a point of stillness and you create silence.

Eat in silence and you'll find yourself at ease and peace. You'll also enjoy the food and eat less because you'll be more aware when you are full. So, how about eating in silence, not every meal, but maybe a meal a day (or a week).

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Living Open Heartedly

Do you live life open heartedly or mostly closed? Most of us have had experiences that led us to close our hearts. But maybe it's time to get gutsy and open our heart.

If we were to live open heartedly, maybe we'll get smarter at:
- taking responsibility for our own feelings
- letting go of what hurts and holding on to what heals
- setting healthier boundaries to guard our heart
- being strong-hearted, but not hard-hearted

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What Will You Pick Up?

Do you have the art of picking things up without being noticed? Do you notice and pick up:
- opportunities that others don't see or are too busy to notice
- talents, skills and qualities in people around you
- new phrases or ways of seeing, when you've been abroad

What will you pick up to enrich your life?

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February 11

Difficult or Easy First?

Do you prefer to start the day with your trickiest task or the easiest one? Difficult tasks require willpower, focus and energy. Easy tasks require less. Do the easy task first to get a momentum going. Save the difficult tasks for when you are more focused and energetic.

But sometimes it's best to tackle the difficult task first, so that you don't keep thinking about it. Once you’ve tackled it, the rest seem easier.

Easy or difficult tasks first? What works for you?

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February 12

Buy Yourself Flowers

Who doesn't love a fresh bouquet of flowers? Why wait for someone else to bring you flowers! This Valentine's Day, do something nice for you - buy yourself a bouquet of flowers. Sunflowers, tulips, lilies, orchids... whatever you like.

Buy some flowers and treat yourself. Brighten up your space and boost your mood.

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Being in Control

Don’t you just love being in control? But don't you find that the more you try to control everything, the more stressed and out of control you feel?

How about, trying to curb the urge to control? Do as much as you can to make things happen. But know when to loosen up, let go a little and relax into the flow of life.

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Time with You

You spend time with people you love, right? Well, who do you love the most? The right answer is, you. So, do you spend quality time with yourself?

Well, how about going on a ‘Me Date’. You can go to a movie, eat at your favorite restaurant, or go for a long walk. Go on a ‘Me Date’ and spend time with yourself, and the time you spend with others will be richer.

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Efficient or Effective?

Are you efficient or effective? Do you think one is more important than the other?

Being efficient is doing things right and being effective is doing the right things. Often when we're being efficient, we're doing things better and faster, and as a result, we may be active but not necessarily effective.

To be efficient or effective, or effectively efficient?