Practise makes polished
Under what circumstances do you practise or rehearse something you’ve got to ‘deliver’ at work? Perhaps part of your job involves pitching to win business and you prep for that or maybe there are times that you want to make a key point in a meeting, so you run through what you’re going to say and make sure it hits the right note? I’ve been reflecting on why something I... Read More
Flexing Your Assertiveness
Had it not been for commitments in both our diairies last Friday afternoon, the impromptu call I had with a radio producer on the psychology of failure could have been a pleasingly long and philosophical one. (My musing this month isn’t on the well-trodden path of fear of failure though). She’d been talking to a marine who’s bemused by civvy street’s emotional... Read More
Do you feel like an imposter?
The average senior professional woman experiences 19 episodes of imposter syndrome in the first two years following a promotion and 4.2 per year in a role she’s acclimatized to. Actually, I made that up but it sounds reassuring doesn’t it? Have you ever felt like an imposter? Believed you’re not really up to the role you’re in or the task that’s in front of you; that you’ve... Read More
January Revolutions v. Gradual Change
Did you, like me, wake up to sunshine and blue skies on new year’s day and fleetingly entertain the idea of new year’s revolutions? That bold, life-giving copper coin has a way of filling us with hope, optimism, possibility and on January 1st has the extra power of instilling in us the belief we can make radical changes to our behavior with ease. In this month’s FF I’m... Read More
Change Fest’ – Implementation Intentions
It’s January and if you’re looking to make a change, this insight from the world of psychology will be a help. This was first written and published as a ‘Flourishing Female’ column in January 2011. Have a good Crimbo and a sparkly new year? Eat a few too many mince pies? I hope so, they’re scrumptious and it’s so long until you get to eat them again.... Read More
Change Fest’ – Doing Something Different
It’s January and if you’re looking to make a change, this insight from the world of psychology will be a help. This was first written and published as a ‘Here’s a Thought’ column in January 2009. What’s your take on new year’s resolutions? Have you got some? I didn’t make any; just like I didn’t make any last year or the year before. (I do a sort of annual... Read More
Change Fest’ – Comparisons
It’s January and if you’re looking to make a change, this insight from the world of psychology will be a help. This was first written and published as a ‘Here’s a Thought’ column in January 2006. On New Year’s Day after achieving a Sudoku personal best and scrutinising the technique of the winning jockey in the 1.35 at Cheltenham my mind was triggered into thinking... Read More
Change Fest’ – Spotting Opportunities
It’s January and if you’re looking to make a change, this insight from the world of psychology will be a help. This was first written and published as a ‘Flourishing Female’ column in January 2012. Do you know how amazing your mind is? How awesome you are? Yes, you are astonishing. How about that as a welcome to January? (But no, this isn’t a celebration of how well... Read More
Change Fest’ – Ditch the Diet
It’s January and if you’re looking to make a change, this insight from the world of psychology will be a help. This was first written and published as a ‘Here’s a Thought’ column in February 2008. “The drugs don’t work, they just make you worse…” so The Verve sang and the same is true of most ‘diets’ out there. It may be the time of year or just a coincidence... Read More
Delight & Despair in December
My husband has been moaning about the progressive degradation of kerb stones and communal green space outside our home over the last few weeks. I shan’t go into why or how. Suffice to say I’ve kindly given his own words of advice back to him: “sh*it or get off the pot” – that is, take some step toward solving it or stop moaning to me about it. In this post I’m encouraging... Read More
