Goals and Aspirations

My Mentor: Beneficial For My Professional And Personal Development

Having a mentor is one of the most beneficial things you can do for both your professional and personal development.

When I'm experiencing work issues or situations that are troubling or challenging me, I know my personal life is affected... it cannot help but be affected:

• I become more work orientated to try and solve the problem or issue
• I don't sleep as well
• I become frustrated and more irritable (in other words, grumpy)
• I spend less time looking after my needs and more time trying to resolve work issues
• I spend less time with family and friends
• my timeout is greatly reduced
• my stress levels increase

When I work on my professional development it cannot help but have a rippling effect into my personal life. 

If you have been reading this blog for a while, and if you have subscribed to my website, you will have noticed the changes I've made.

These changes have significantly improved my blog and website and the way I deliver my work and information to you.  But these changes have involved incredible learning for me.

Several months ago I had no idea what a blog was... and no one in my social network of family and friends were blogging let alone working online.

I had a huge gap in my knowledge... and I wanted to learn everything I possibly could.  A couple of months ago I started participating in various online courses to bring my skills and knowledge up-to-date.  Remember, I'm a psychologist and my work involves counselling people on a variety of life issues.  I'm confident with my counselling skills... I was so not confident with my Web skills.

In one of the courses I attended... I happened across Connie Ragan Green who has now become a mentor for me.

Connie Ragan Green has taught me so much about how to get my work to you.  She gently guides me in article writing, tech stuff related to blogging and my website, she provides useful information on how to develop my skills, she provides ongoing teaching in different areas of writing and marketing articles and ebooks.  And she provides unlimited e-mail support for when I've not understood something... she has increased my skills and confidence in more ways than I can say.

I've received several e-mails from readers who have got so many great ideas.  These readers need some structure on how to get their information out to the world.

If you have got a really good idea about what you want to do... but you're not quite sure how to go about it, where to start, what to do... I strongly recommend you get a mentor.  Someone who will not only teach you but also guide you and support you.

The greatest thing I have learnt throughout my working life... is that I cannot do it on my own.

Having a mentor for my professional (working) development has been so beneficial for my personal life as well.  I'm no longer caught up with many of the frustrations eating into my time and energy.

If you have lots of information and you would like assistance in getting it out there -- I strongly recommend Connie Ragan Green at Ebook Writing and Marketing Secrets who teaches how to write, publish and market articles and ebooks.

Could you do with some guidance?  Would you benefit from a mentor?  Click on the comment link below and let me know your thoughts and experiences.  I'm here for you and I love hearing from you!

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS have you received a complimentary copy of  "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"
you can download a copy when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus at
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Stephen Pierce audios: a must to listen to

Personal development centres around providing inspirational, motivational guidance and support to increase your personal growth, self esteem and self empowerment.

Michael Litman, a personal development coach, sent links of Stephen Pierce's audios to his readers this morning.  And I am passing them on to you because they are well worth listening to.

An Unforgettable Illumination is found at:
http://www.dtalpha.com/talkback/?p=36

Make My Turning Point Your Turning Point is found at
http://www.dtalpha.com/talkback/?p=34

Stephen Pierce talks candidly of his experiences... his failures, disappointments, no direction, being shot, not succeeding, being broke... and the way he turned his life around.

Stephen Pierce, like every other personal development expert, believes that your past does not have to define your future.  You can change your circumstances by changing your thoughts, your beliefs, and more importantly your actions.

I found these 2 audios incredibly inspiring and motivating.  They are worth spending a few minutes listening to.

Let me know what you think of them... click on the comment link below and leave your thoughts and experiences.  It's always good hearing from you!

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS... have you received your copy of: "#1 Ingredient to Fast Track Your Success!"
you can download a copy when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Success quotes: Aristotle and Bernard M. Baruch

All men seek one goal: success or happiness.  The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society.  First, have a defined, clear, practical ideal -- a goal, an objective.  Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends -- wisdom, money, materials and methods.  Third, adjust all your means to that end.

                                    Aristotle

Recipe for success: be polite, prepare yourself for whatever you are asked to do, keep yourself tidy, be cheerful, don't be envious, be honest, interest yourself in your job, don't pity yourself, be quick to praise, be loyal to your friends, avoid prejudices, be independent, interest yourself in politics, and read the newspapers.

                                     Bernard M. Baruch

Great quotes to contemplate and incorporate into your life, from incredible legends.

Click on the comment link below and let me know your thoughts about these quotes.  It's always good to hear from you.

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS have you received your complimentary copy of "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"
you can do so when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Clutter in your Workspace : 8 Suggestions to get on top of clutter

Most people have a work space... a place or area where they carry out specific activities such as work or hobby. 

A work space could be an office at home, an office away from home, a desk in a room in the house, the garage, an area in the kitchen, a sewing room, an area where your business/hobbies are carried out... it could be anywhere.

It's very easy for clutter to build up in your work space, especially if you are very busy and have lots of demands to deal with each day.

Here are 8 suggestions to get on top of clutter rather than be swamped by clutter:

1. take a few moments and look around your work area and get a real feel for what needs to be done
2. begin by throwing rubbish away -- put things in the bin that need to be in the bin.  A few minutes doing this often can make a huge difference
3. put things away in their right place -- if you have papers that need to be filed, spend a few minutes doing it; if you have books lying around, put them where they belong; if you have coffee cups and other items that belong elsewhere, put them where they belong.  In other words, do a quick tidy up
4. after you have tidied up... clean the area.  Chances are your work space hasn't been cleaned for a while especially if lots of clutter has accumulated
5. take a few moments to write down what your needs are in terms of getting on top of clutter -- think about what is really bugging you, what would make such a difference if it no longer existed.  You could, for example, desperately need more adequate storage space (or even some storage space); it could be that you need to reorganise the area that you work in; or perhaps your computer is so cluttered with e-mails, too many icons on your desktop, no system for organising documents or files (computer clutter is so common -- and that is something I experience more often than I want to)
6. look at your list and prioritise everything you have written -- what is your first priority, and then your second and so on
7. begin to sort out your first priority -- if it is storage space that is required, start looking around for shelving, cupboards, draws, files or whatever else is required.  This may take awhile to completely achieve but it is important to begin to take action on your first priority.  If your computer is a mess with clutter -- start with your email and begin to get it organised.
8. remember you don't have to do everything at once.  Most of us don't have that time to devote hours and hours solely on eliminating clutter.  If you do, that is great and I encourage you to go for it!  But if you are pressed for time... just make a start.

And once you start to eliminate clutter, it's amazing how the momentum continues... sure, one thing leads to another and at times it feels like you will never get to the end of it.  Believe me, you will get to the end of it.  And this in itself will provide you with an incentive to keep organised, tidy, and on top of things as much as you can.

The sooner you begin to take action on your clutter, the sooner it will disappear and you will feel more energetic, motivated, productive... and a whole lot better!

Do you experience work space clutter?  Click on the comment link below and share your thoughts about, and suggestions for, getting rid of work space clutter.

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS... have you received your complimentary copy of "#1 Ingredient to Fast Track Your Success!"
you can download a copy when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

"Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries": book to read

An opportunity for personal development exists in everything we do... from the people we meet, to the events we attend, to the activities we participate in, to the thoughts we have, to the actions we do, to the television and movies we watch, and to the books we read.  Personal development can happen in any situation... if we open our eyes and our hearts to it.

Novels can be a great source of personal development.

Julie Ann Shapiro's book, "Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries", has recently been published... and I want to tell you about it.

"Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries" is a magic realism novel.  Her story is about a successful photographer who is haunted by the memory of a girlfriend he lost and the connection he feels to her while photographing shoes.  An underlying theme of the novel is about seeing wonder in the world.

In reviewing "Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries", S. M. Murdoch comments:

Feeling the blues of sadness, the reds of rage, and all the shades in between...Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries is vivid with imagery.  Julie Ann Shapiro colourfully depicts the realities and wondrousness of relationships through the ethereal sensitivity of Jen-Zen and the longing heart of Brad Lynberry.

For those of you who enjoy an absorbing read... I highly recommend "Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries" by Julie Ann Shapiro!

You can find more about "Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries" and Julie Ann Shapiro at:
http://www.synergebooks.com/ebook_oneshoediaries.html

Let me know what you think.  Click on the comment link below and leave your thoughts... it is always good to hear from you!

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS have you received your copy of:  "#1 Ingredient to Fast Track Your Success!"
you can download a copy when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus website at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Clutter defined and derailed!

Clutter is quite a "no-no" in personal development circles.

What is clutter?  According to Wikipedia:

Clutter may refer to excessive physical disorder: a confusing or disorderly state or collection; or the creation thereof.  Excessive, unnecessary or uncontrolled clutter can be a symptom of compulsive hoarding.  A type of light pollution.

In the everyday sense, clutter includes:

• rubbish not put in the bin
• items eg clothing, papers, books, utensils not stored properly
• accumulated unused objects
• broken and unmaintained items remain broken and unmaintained for long periods of time
• commitments/activities in our life that serve no purpose
• activities including ironing, bill paying, phone calls, dishes, house work are completed later rather than sooner -- in other words, when they absolutely have to be done. 

Our environment and our personal life can contain much unnecessary clutter which takes up valuable space and energy.

Some people have no trouble in keeping clutter to a minimum.  They get rid of unwanted items, everything is put in its place, rubbish is put in the bin under the table not left on the table, broken things are either fixed and mended or thrown out, only those commitments and activities that have a real purpose are continued, house work is kept up-to-date, mail is opened as it comes in, bills are paid on time, phone calls are made sooner rather than later... environment and life have some sense of order.

In contrast, others build up clutter very easily... items are never put away where they belong, lids are never put on containers, broken and unmaintained things stay that way, papers are never filed away, things needing to be done are continually put off till another day... and so on and so on.

Dealing with clutter in a household can be a nightmare if some members are organised and don't contribute to clutter whereas others are messy and contribute to the household clutter; where some members give or throw away unwanted and unused items and other members cannot throw anything away, in other words they hoard (I grew up in that kind of household).

How do you begin to derail clutter?... how do you begin to get rid of the clutter in your life and in your environment??  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• make a decision, right now, to do something about the clutter!  Take control of clutter rather than have clutter control you!
• make the commitment, right now, to begin to take action about your clutter
• remember that clutter will take time to be completely derailed, completely gone
• don't think you have to do absolutely everything at once
• any action towards clearing clutter is better than no action

Clutter occurs where you live, at your workplace/workspace, in your car, in your activities of daily life, where you play or spend your leisure time... wherever you are or go, there is potential for clutter.

Clutter is easy to derail... to get rid of, or at least bring to a manageable level... once you decide to start doing something about it!

Once the clutter is removed from your life and your environment... it is amazing how good it feels!  You feel happier, more energetic, less scattered, thinking is clearer and you have more time because you are no longer wasting time looking for things that were hidden in amongst the clutter!

We all have clutter... and we all deal with clutter in very different ways!

Over the next few posts, I will suggest ways that you can deal with clutter in specific areas of your life.

How do you deal with clutter?  Is it a problem in your life?  Or in your household?  Click on the comment link below and share your experiences... it's always great hearing from you!

Best wishes
Jeanne

have you received your copy of "#1 Ingredient to Fast Track Your Success!"
you can download a copy when you subscribe to the website Aspirations Plus at
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

                                                   

Jim Rohn: personal development video

Jim Rohn is one of the top personal development gurus.

Here is a short video of Jim Rohn in action... he talks very briefly of his philosophy, of his beliefs, of what's the essence of personal development.

The gems in this video for me were:

• when the student is ready the teacher will come
• college education is not an important factor in personal development (Jim only went to 9th grade in school)
• success is not something you pursue but is something  you attract by the person you become
• profits are better than wages -- wages make you a living whereas profits make you a fortune
• anyone can make both a living and a fortune
• your income is related directly to your philosophy ... not to the economy
• if you want to change your income... change your philosophy
• don't search for the exotic until you have discovered the basic

Jim Rohn is a down to earth Speaker... listen to him and take from him what resonates with you.

You can watch the video (by the way it is about 5 minutes long) at:

http://revver.com/video/684936/changemythinkingcom-presents-jim-rohn-incredible-video/

Let me know what gems you got... click on the comment link below and leave your thoughts.  I'd love to hear from you.

Best wishes
Jeanne

PS have you received your complimentary copy of: "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"
You can download it when you subscribe to Aspirations Plus at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Burnout in caregivers: 10 suggestions to prevent it happening

Burnout is emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

Burnout happens as a result of extreme overload over an extended period of time.

Burnout is not something that only happens to high-powered, overworked business executives.  Caregivers also can experience burnout.  And they do!

A caregiver maybe someone who is primary carer for a terminally ill loved one, or primary carer for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease, or a severely disabled child, or perhaps a chronically ill family member.

Usually the caregiver is juggling many roles within the family, for example, other family members to look after, running the house including cooking, and perhaps working as well. 

The person requiring care often has many medical and treatment needs and appointments, may require special food, which all needs to be done by the caregiver.  Taking on the role of caregiver involves many extra responsibilities.

It can be extremely emotionally and physically taxing providing care for someone you love.

For the person who is experiencing profound stress over a prolonged period of time, here are 10 suggestions to keep in mind which may prevent burnout from happening:

• make sure you eat properly.  All too often caregivers neglect themselves because they are too busy being caregiver.  It's important to make sure you get proper food and drinks.  You will become rundown if you neglect yourself over a long period of time and when you become rundown you are more susceptible to getting sick and staying sick for a lot longer than you usually would
• you are not indispensable.  Although the burden of care may fall on you it is important to remember, and to remind others around you, that if you get sick you will no longer be able to carry out the roles and responsibilities you are doing now
• recognise your limitations -- everybody has a limit of what they can and cannot do.  For a short period of time it is OK to stretch yourself but you cannot do this indefinitely
• ask for help -- even though it may seem no one can help you, many people are often willing to do something if they only know what.  It could be anything from asking someone to do your shopping, pick up something, bring something, water the garden, babysit, cook a meal, or take over for a little while
• on the other hand, sometimes people don't offer help because the caregiver has given a clear indication that he or she doesn't want or need help.  Sometimes caregivers can be too independent!  When someone offers help... say "yes please"! 
• make sure you get regular time out -- for example, meet up with friends for coffee or lunch, see a movie, go for a walk around the block.  Go somewhere or do something that will give you physical and emotional breathing space
• offload to someone -- it is important for everyone to have someone they can talk to, someone they can offload to.  Offloading can go a long way in preventing burnout from happening
• almost every community in the world has a voluntary telephone counselling service where people can call and talk to someone on the other end of the phone.  This service is usually free and anonymous.  Such places are often listed in the front page of the telephone directory
• if you have no one to talk to, and you cannot use a telephone counselling service, write out your thoughts and feelings.  The important thing is to get your thoughts and feelings out in whatever way you can
• you may benefit from talking with a doctor, counsellor or social worker who may be able to get outside services to provide assistance to you.  There are many agencies and places within the community you can access for all kinds of assistance e.g. financial, practical support such as voluntary transport which can reduce some of pressure for you

Burnout can happen when you are overloaded.  But there are many things that can be done to prevent the stress and responsibilities turning into burnout.

But remember, you don't have to do it alone!

If you would like any more information... please do not hesitate to contact me -- you can e-mail me or leave a comment by clicking on the comment link below.  I'd love to hear from you.

Best wishes
Jeanne

Have you received your complimentary copy of: "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"
If not, you can do so by subscribing to Aspirations Plus at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Dreams And Fantasies: do you remember yours??

Hi everyone...

Each person, at some stage in their life, has had a dream or fantasy... a young boy may dream about becoming a fireman when he grows up, a dream may have been to become an astronaut, or perhaps write a best-selling novel, become a doctor, live somewhere faraway, travel the world, or even play in a symphony orchestra, have a date with Brad Pitt, sail around the world in a yacht...

Each person, at some stage in their life, has daydreamed about something!

Dreams and fantasies are healthy and very normal!

Healthy because they provide us with:

• something positive, meaningful and constructive to think about
• a place in our mind to escape to when we want or need to e.g. when we are stressed or bored
• stimulation for our imagination
• a reason to do certain things e.g. learn special skills, get a good paying job
• incentive to achieve our dream of fantasy
• good feelings when we think about our dreams or fantasy
• something to keep us sane!

Normal because each person has an imagination (believe it or not)... our imagination is a central part of our being.

But all too often, we are discouraged from using our imagination:

• we may be told off or punished for daydreaming -- I got told that so often at school
• we may be told our dreams and fantasies will never happen -- others in our network, for example family, teachers, work colleagues, friends may laugh at our dreams or tell us they will be impossible to achieve (I got so much opposition from people when they knew I was going to Mongolia for real, not just in my mind!)
• we may have so many commitments and responsibilities in our life that we no longer have the time or energy to think about and revisit our dreams and fantasies
• we may feel our dreams and fantasies are unimportant

Does this sound familiar for you?  It certainly was for me many years ago.

The only dream and fantasy I  kept alive for me, and my sanity, was going to Outer Mongolia.  Outer Mongolia was my escape from the hassles and pressures of my daily life...

My dream and fantasy was uncovered, dusted off, and also made into a reality

Many people lose sight of their dreams and fantasies... for very legitimate and understandable reasons. 

Do remember what your dreams and fantasies are/were?

I'm wondering, however, if it is time for you to revisit your dreams and fantasies... to uncover them... dust them off... and see if they give you the same wonderful and warm feeling that they once did?

And who knows... your dream or fantasy may become a reality... like my dream and fantasy of going to Outer Mongolia certainly did!

I'd love to know what your dreams and fantasies are... click on the comment link below and let me know!  It would be great to hear them.
Or you can join the discussion at facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10264741301

Best wishes
Jeanne

have you received your complimentary copy of: "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"... you can get your copy by subscribing to Aspirations Plus website at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html

Dream Becomes Reality: Facebook Group -- invitation to join!

Hi everyone...

As you may be aware, my book "Outer Mongolia... no longer a fantasy"... is about a dream that became a reality.

"Outer Mongolia... no longer a fantasy", a true story,  is about a journey I took with 4 friends to Outer Mongolia. 

The book has an important message for everyone: with belief, trust and commitment any dream can become a reality no matter what your circumstances are.

Over the weekend, I created a group in Facebook called "Outer Mongolia... no longer a fantasy" and you're invited to take a look and join the discussion... the link is:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10264741301

You can also find out more about "Outer Mongolia... no longer a fantasy" at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/jeannemaystuff.html

If you would like to purchase "Outer Mongolia... no longer a fantasy" e-book or CD-ROM, remember that every dollar raised from the sale of each book is going to Developing Countries Aid Fund (DCAF) Asia -- Mongolia, which is administered by the Red Cross

Join the discussion at Facebook!

Best wishes
Jeanne

have you received your complimentary copy of: "#1 Ingredient To Fast Track Your Success!"... you can get your copy by subscribing to Aspirations Plus website at:
http://www.aspirationsplus.com/information-support-subscription.html