The Art of Successful Living

I have recently been introduced to the benefits of the aloe vera plant – also known as the medicine plant due to its amazing healing properties. It has been reported as helping various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, cold sores as well as burns; and also works well on digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hiatus hernia and much more.

I’ve been using it recently on a shoulder injury I’ve had and it has helped it enormously in such a very short time.

Although aloe is now included in many products, they are often used in too small quantities to be effective. It is also most effective when it has been stabilised in a way that it remains in its purest form.

If you would like to find out more about using aloe vera products and the associated benefits, please contact me on Karen@u-unlimited.com

How many times have you asked a child this question?

Do you remember your answer when you were young?

Are you doing the thing you always dreamt of as a child?

Many of us have passions and interests as a child which we suppress and lose site of as we get older. More responsibility and more learning seems to knock the sense of fun and opportunity from within. Instead we do what is expected of us – expected by our parents, friends, society and ourselves.

We spend years in a profession doing a job that we seem to be happy with and may even be very successful at it. Eventually however, we get to that point when we say “Is this what it’s all about? Is this what I really want from life? Where did all the fun go?”

But take a look around you at some of the most successful people around. Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey. Will they ever retire?

Not likely!                 Why?

Because they love what they do. They get up each morning and look forward to the day ahead. The issues they face are seen as challenges to overcome rather than obstacles in their way. They are constantly learning and get excited about trying new things. The world is a fun and exciting place. It’s a child’s playground!

Are you doing a job that you love?

As a coach, one aspect of my work is to help people unravel their core values and understand how those values shape the world that we live in. Both from the perspective of how we view the world around us and determine what is right and wrong; as well as how our values motivate us and affect some of the choices we make in life.

A value is something that is really important to us and so deep seated that we probably take it for granted and expect everyone else to value it too. All values are good, but each of us has a different priority system in how we rank those values.

For instance, I was listening to a radio debate a few months ago where one person thought it was right to tell the police about a member of their family committing a crime. This person clearly valued justice and respect for others highly. However, another person thought this was totally outrageous and couldn’t believe that this person would “shop” another member of their family to the authorities – regardless of how serious the crime was. This person clearly valued the family unit and close relationships very highly.

Neither view points are wrong, but it does shape our perspective on how we see the world, what we believe to be right and wrong and how we will behave.

Have a think about what your values are and how that impacts the decisions you make, the way you behave and how you react to others.

And next time you have a disagreement with someone, try to understand their perspective and what is driving their intentions.

So many people set fitness or dietary goals at the beginning of January, only to give up a few weeks later when dark nights and cold days have joined forces to curb their enthusiasm.  However, as the nights start to get lighter, the sun starts to shine and the earth begins to warm up, it’s a good time to get outdoors, get moving and to eat less starchy foods (as we don’t need the warmth and fat stores of winter).

But it’s not just our bodies that could do with a fresh boost…

Body
Consider eating more fruit, vegetables and green juices.

Get moving!  Step up your activity levels.  It could be as simple as walking more often, or it could involve taking up a new activity.  Why not try something different? …Table tennis, Ceroc dancing or maybe fencing. Whatever takes your fancy?

Mind
Stimulate the mind with a new hobby, read a book by a different author or, if you usually choose fiction, try something factual…history, self-development or a biography; and if you like factual books why not try a thriller or romantic novel for a change?

Perhaps you could learn a new language or skill, join a class or take an on-line course.

Spirit
Do something you love, but maybe find a new twist…and don’t underestimate the value of spending time with those you care about.  Have a cosy night in, turn off the TV and spend time with your partner or family…really connect with them…

Spend time with close friends, but go somewhere different.  Instead of meeting for a drink and a meal, go to an exhibition or the theatre.  If you love the arts, visit a gallery or an unusual museum.

Dare to be different this year.  You never know how much fun you may find it.

The role of leadership was much-discussed last month, with the spotlight turned on the post of England football captain.  I have been fascinated by the differing opinions voiced across phone-ins and debate shows, where tempers have flared among such strong and opposing points of view.

For some it seems that leadership demands you become a role model, bringing your private life under scrutiny.  For others, personal and professional are to be kept apart, with indiscretions in one having no relevance to the other.

So which is right?  Probably both…but it depends on what type of leader you want to follow.  There are many different leadership styles, some dominating and autocratic, some more participative in their approach.

If a leader rules with a rod of iron, obedience is necessary for a successful outcome.  On the other hand, a leader who adopts a more supportive approach will aim to inspire and motivate.

Both types of leadership can achieve results in the short-term, but only the latter can win teams over and command their respect in the long run.

In today’s society, where footballers are constantly in the public eye, the softer approach is the only one to offer success…we do expect them to be role models and in particular to influence the young.