Great Self Confidence

...to live the life you want

How to Solve a Problem

by

Most of us worry, or have worried, at some point. Some people do it constantly. A worry is yet another example of a negative thought getting in the way.
problem solving Unfortunately, as worries circulate in our mind they gain momentum, increasing in size and magnitude. What worrying doesn’t do is solve the problem.

Here are seven steps to solve any problem…

1) Identify and define clearly what the problem is.

Firstly – do it on paper (or a computer screen). Especially if you have a significant concern, its easier to get facts clear if you write things out. When you try to define your problem(s) you may find there isn’t actually a problem at all. If there is more than one, go through this process separately for each one. Be as specific as you can.

2) Generate possible solutions

This used to be called brainstorming – I think we’re now supposed to say “blue sky thinking”. Basically write down any ideas that occur to you without editing. Be as creative and as imaginative as possible. Get as many ideas down as you can. [Read more…]

Confidence at work

by

I have just updated the About this site page, which previously had said very little about what this blog was about and my underlying philosophy. Please have a read some time and let me know what you think.

Last week I was on a 5 day, 8.30 – 5.30, course – the first time I’ve been on such an intensive course for many years. Despite this intensity – it was interesting that the 45 of us on the course attended everyday, no-one going off sick, and everyone arriving on time and staying till the end of the day. Usually on one day courses starting at 9.30 and finishing at around 4.00 you don’t get that dedication!

The reason for the 100% attendance? It was clear from the outset that we were going to develop a huge amount professionally. One of the course tutors said:-

“with the new skills and insights you develop during the course, your confidence is enhanced, and you have a new language to advocate the service can deliver.” [Read more…]

Are goals necessary?

by

Reflecting on how I have changed over the past 6 months of writing this blog, and interacting with others here and in forums, my attitude towards goal setting has become less clear. I’ve always believed that having clearly defined, measurable goals is essential – even though I have struggled to use goal setting effectively myself over the years.

Since I qualified as an occupational therapist in 1987 I’m now in my 8th job. By taking certain directions I’ve gradually narrowed my options, but I’ve never set clear career goals.

Using the common argument in favour of goals, that without its like asking a bus driver for a ticket to anywhere, you could argue I have jumped on buses that have passed by that happened to be going in an interesting direction! [Read more…]

Confidence making bread

by

Harvest workshop
Yesterday was a good day. OK, every day should be viewed as a good day as we will never have that day again. I can’t remember who said it (probably Zig Ziglar) but “never judge the day by the weather” is a favourite quote of mine. Likewise today – October 7th 2007 – is still a good day, even though there is nothing (currently) for me lined up that is going to make it significant.
Yesterday was significant (and good) for two reasons. In the morning I took part in a Harvest Workshop, helped by one of my daughters and my mother in law. This is at our local church (the one I got married in twenty two years ago!) and, in our case, involves bread making with the young children who attend. I say “making”, but I get up at 6.30am to make the dough for the children to shape and then paint with egg wash. [Read more…]

Habits & Routines

by

This is my first post in October, and September has proved a challenging month in many ways. Two weeks ago our eldest daughter started University in the north of England. We drove 5 hours up various motorways up to Yorkshire, traipsed up several flights of stairs with large boxes before spending a fortune in the local supermarket. My wife and I then drove the 5 hours back to the south coast.

Meanwhile our 16 year old twins have started a waitressing job at a local pub. This means most of the week one of them has to start work at about 5.30, and so gets their own evening meal. I’m the main cook in our household, and one family habit or ritual I have always tried to maintain is having an evening meal together as a family. Suddenly, with one daughter leaving and two now working, that has had to be abandoned. [Read more…]