29 years ago today, I walked down to the local dairy after school, to wait for the Evening Post to be delivered, and with it the latest breaking news on the Erebus disaster. I was 9 years old.
Much has changed since then.
The newspaper isn't the most up-to-date news source any more - we turn to the internet instead.
The Evening Post is no longer, having rolled into the morning paper, The Dominion, to become the Dominion Post.
Many 9 year olds are probably no longer allowed to walk to the dairy after school - if, indeed they are at home rather than after-school care (which didn't exist then).
A few weeks earlier I'd been buying double happy bangers, and tom thumb crackers. The Tom Thumbs cost 8c - and could be bought with the return on a Leed Lemonade bottle.
Back then, pretty much everyone knew someone who knew someone who lost a friend or family member in the disaster. The scale of today's crash was smaller, but 5 families and friends of the Air New Zealand, and CAA staff, and 2 German pilots will be grieving.
I was talking only the other night about how interesting it is to watch the TV shows which go over aircraft investigations. I wasn't expecting to have an example so close to home a couple of days later.
One of the good things (perhaps the only good thing) about crashes like this is that the Aircraft investigations are thorough, and the industry as a whole gets notified of the cause of the problem, steps are taken, procedures are implemented to prevent the same thing happening again. They say every crash makes flying safer (and you can't say that about the more likely cause of death we each face - from a car).
Small consolation for the families and friends of those who died this morning though.
28 November 2008
26 November 2008
A to Z of Luck : J is for Juggling
I've been posting an A to Z of Luck, and today J is for Juggling.
When I first started juggling training at the Circus Space in London with Jebb the Juggler I was told that there were three rules:
1 - Don't stop till you drop
2 - When you do drop in a passing routine never say sorry. Mistakes are part of the process, every mistake is getting you closer to success. Just pick things up and keep going.
3 - Don't wait till you've perfected a trick to move on - always try something a bit more complex. When you come back to the initial trick you'll find it you can do it with ease.
The benefits of juggling are many. The constant failure forces you to get comfortable with mistakes. It's great for overcoming the crippling perfectionism which stops us taking risks and trying new things. I found juggling helped me to be more relaxed, more resilient, and more creative. And, in one scientific study at the University of Regensburg in Germany, brain scans showed that those who had learned to juggle had increased their brain matter after practising juggling for 3 months.
It's a general principle: the more you try, the luckier you'll get. Juggling is a great way to help you keep trying new things, and to persist. Throwing balls or clubs around can help you toss ideas around too. I love juggling with other people - and it can be a great social pastime, whether or not you're doing it for sport or as a performance.
I decided to use J for juggling today , as we've been planning the timetable for a conference "Speaking Professionally" run by the NSA Christchurch Chapter. I have a 5 minute break-out energiser juggling exercise which I learned in a workshop from the wonderful Denis Paumier. I cannot do 1/100th of the things Denis can do, but this exercise, which involves 1 ball per person to start with, is a lot of fun, and good for the brain and mood.
When I first started juggling training at the Circus Space in London with Jebb the Juggler I was told that there were three rules:
1 - Don't stop till you drop
2 - When you do drop in a passing routine never say sorry. Mistakes are part of the process, every mistake is getting you closer to success. Just pick things up and keep going.
3 - Don't wait till you've perfected a trick to move on - always try something a bit more complex. When you come back to the initial trick you'll find it you can do it with ease.
The benefits of juggling are many. The constant failure forces you to get comfortable with mistakes. It's great for overcoming the crippling perfectionism which stops us taking risks and trying new things. I found juggling helped me to be more relaxed, more resilient, and more creative. And, in one scientific study at the University of Regensburg in Germany, brain scans showed that those who had learned to juggle had increased their brain matter after practising juggling for 3 months.
It's a general principle: the more you try, the luckier you'll get. Juggling is a great way to help you keep trying new things, and to persist. Throwing balls or clubs around can help you toss ideas around too. I love juggling with other people - and it can be a great social pastime, whether or not you're doing it for sport or as a performance.
I decided to use J for juggling today , as we've been planning the timetable for a conference "Speaking Professionally" run by the NSA Christchurch Chapter. I have a 5 minute break-out energiser juggling exercise which I learned in a workshop from the wonderful Denis Paumier. I cannot do 1/100th of the things Denis can do, but this exercise, which involves 1 ball per person to start with, is a lot of fun, and good for the brain and mood.
20 November 2008
Gender Equality
What do these countries have in common?
1, Norway
1, Norway
2, Finland
3, Sweden
4, Iceland
5, New Zealand
They are the 5 nations that came out on top in a World Economic Forum study on the gender gap (hat tip: Lecturer notes). For a summary see the BBC website article
The study looked at economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival of women.
It's good that New Zealand is up there. One of the positive things about the last 12 years of government is that children have grown up with an image that "of course a woman can be Prime Minister". Come to that, there were people voting in the last election who probably didn't remember a male Prime Minister.
That doesn't mean that New Zealand has got it perfect, and there's still room for improvement, particularly in business and on boards, but at least we're at the right end of the table. I suspect our MMP system has an effect - it's resulted in a markedly more diverse parliament than was the case (or would be likely) under FPP.
They are the 5 nations that came out on top in a World Economic Forum study on the gender gap (hat tip: Lecturer notes). For a summary see the BBC website article
The study looked at economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival of women.
It's good that New Zealand is up there. One of the positive things about the last 12 years of government is that children have grown up with an image that "of course a woman can be Prime Minister". Come to that, there were people voting in the last election who probably didn't remember a male Prime Minister.
That doesn't mean that New Zealand has got it perfect, and there's still room for improvement, particularly in business and on boards, but at least we're at the right end of the table. I suspect our MMP system has an effect - it's resulted in a markedly more diverse parliament than was the case (or would be likely) under FPP.
18 November 2008
Speaking to Rotary clubs
My first exposure to Rotary International was when I was was “knee high to the bumper” and saw the Rotary badge affixed to the grille on my grandfather Howard’s car. Later I applied to be a Rotary Youth Exchangee (only to find on the day of the interview that no exchangees could go that year from Ashburton.)
These days I'm happy to speak to Rotary clubs in and around Christchurch, and recently spoke on stereotyping and stories to Christchurch West Club. It was a memorable event, as a mouse came out of the kitchen and ran around the front of the speaking area, before heading out via the air conditioning!
I speak and coach on topics around communication, storytelling, and leadership and can speak to Rotary (or other community groups) about one of the following programs.
• The Prime of Your Life? Happiness and fulfilment at any age. Why girls can do maths, and the little known power of women over 50.
• Stories, Stereotypes and Stigmas – how the stories we tell about ourselves and others limit us, and how we can overcome negative stereotypes.
• Change your subtext: An interactive speech, demonstrating the AARO technique to make you comfortable in any situation and get the best out of yourselves and others.
• What’s your balance? How to find more energy and a better life-balance.How small steps you can take to get big energy gains.
• Top tips for presentations
• Leadership: How to stop it burning you out, how you can get to the end of the year and feel you’ve used your time well.
• Nurturing the Performing Arts in Christchurch – the new Red Theatre project.
I am also an active member of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand (Education Director for the Christchurch Chapter), and have won several speaking competitions through Toastmasters in Christchurch.
These days I'm happy to speak to Rotary clubs in and around Christchurch, and recently spoke on stereotyping and stories to Christchurch West Club. It was a memorable event, as a mouse came out of the kitchen and ran around the front of the speaking area, before heading out via the air conditioning!
I speak and coach on topics around communication, storytelling, and leadership and can speak to Rotary (or other community groups) about one of the following programs.
• The Prime of Your Life? Happiness and fulfilment at any age. Why girls can do maths, and the little known power of women over 50.
• Stories, Stereotypes and Stigmas – how the stories we tell about ourselves and others limit us, and how we can overcome negative stereotypes.
• Change your subtext: An interactive speech, demonstrating the AARO technique to make you comfortable in any situation and get the best out of yourselves and others.
• What’s your balance? How to find more energy and a better life-balance.How small steps you can take to get big energy gains.
• Top tips for presentations
• Leadership: How to stop it burning you out, how you can get to the end of the year and feel you’ve used your time well.
• Nurturing the Performing Arts in Christchurch – the new Red Theatre project.
I am also an active member of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand (Education Director for the Christchurch Chapter), and have won several speaking competitions through Toastmasters in Christchurch.
Information about Rachel Speaking to Lions Clubs
Does your Lions Club need a speaker?
I'm happy to speak to Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in and around the Christchurch region. I've been doing it for a while now (since I was 19!) and always enjoy it. I can even come in as an emergency speaker if your planned speaker can't make it. If I'm in the area, and free, I can be ready to speak in under an hour.
My past association with Lions includes:
• Speaking at the Ashburton Lions (twice), Ashburton County Lions, and Christchurch Host Lions Clubs tea meetings.
• Speaking at a District 202J convention
• Lions Youth Exchange to Italy in 1990/91
• Young Speechmaker of the Year national finalist
• Both my parents are active Lions club members, former club-presidents and Melvin Jones Fellows, so I know this audience well, and can make sure club members enjoy the experience.
Most recently, I was a judge in the District 202E finals of the Lions Young Speechmaker of the Year, and my report on last year’s national finals was published in the Lion Magazine in December 2007 edition.
I speak and coach on topics around communication, storytelling, and leadership and could speak about one of the following areas (or a similar topic) at your club’s tea meeting or similar event.
• The Prime of Your Life? Happiness and fulfilment at any age. Why girls can do maths, and the little known power of women over 50.
• Stories, Stereotypes and Stigmas – how the stories we tell about ourselves and others limit us, and how we can overcome negative stereotypes.
• Change your subtext: An interactive speech, demonstrating the AARO technique to make you comfortable in any situation and get the best out of yourselves and others.
• What’s your balance? How to find more energy and a better life-balance.How small steps you can take to get big energy gains.
• Top tips for presentations
• Leadership: How to stop it burning you out, how you can get to the end of the year and feel you’ve used your time well.
• Nurturing the Performing Arts in Christchurch – the new Red Theatre project.
I am also an active member of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand (Education Director for the Christchurch Chapter), and have won several speaking competitions through Toastmasters in Christchurch.
If your club needs a speaker - just e-mail me, or if it's short notice ring my mobile 021 0275 9023
I'm happy to speak to Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in and around the Christchurch region. I've been doing it for a while now (since I was 19!) and always enjoy it. I can even come in as an emergency speaker if your planned speaker can't make it. If I'm in the area, and free, I can be ready to speak in under an hour.
My past association with Lions includes:
• Speaking at the Ashburton Lions (twice), Ashburton County Lions, and Christchurch Host Lions Clubs tea meetings.
• Speaking at a District 202J convention
• Lions Youth Exchange to Italy in 1990/91
• Young Speechmaker of the Year national finalist
• Both my parents are active Lions club members, former club-presidents and Melvin Jones Fellows, so I know this audience well, and can make sure club members enjoy the experience.
Most recently, I was a judge in the District 202E finals of the Lions Young Speechmaker of the Year, and my report on last year’s national finals was published in the Lion Magazine in December 2007 edition.
I speak and coach on topics around communication, storytelling, and leadership and could speak about one of the following areas (or a similar topic) at your club’s tea meeting or similar event.
• The Prime of Your Life? Happiness and fulfilment at any age. Why girls can do maths, and the little known power of women over 50.
• Stories, Stereotypes and Stigmas – how the stories we tell about ourselves and others limit us, and how we can overcome negative stereotypes.
• Change your subtext: An interactive speech, demonstrating the AARO technique to make you comfortable in any situation and get the best out of yourselves and others.
• What’s your balance? How to find more energy and a better life-balance.How small steps you can take to get big energy gains.
• Top tips for presentations
• Leadership: How to stop it burning you out, how you can get to the end of the year and feel you’ve used your time well.
• Nurturing the Performing Arts in Christchurch – the new Red Theatre project.
I am also an active member of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand (Education Director for the Christchurch Chapter), and have won several speaking competitions through Toastmasters in Christchurch.
If your club needs a speaker - just e-mail me, or if it's short notice ring my mobile 021 0275 9023
17 November 2008
Random bullets: three wise men
Random bullets from 3 wise men:
- David Slack is one of the most eloquent writers around. He's a speechwriter, and the brains behind speeches.com. His post on Public Address on how to write a maiden political speech is a classic. Check it out. He starts with the question "Why are you here?" and gets better after that.
- My favourite writer Malcolm Gladwell has a new book out in a few days. It's called Outliers and is about people who are exceptional. I can't wait.
- Ian Brodie has a post "don't tell 'em what you told 'em..," on his blog, reminding me why the simple formula that works in training won't work if you're doing a keynote speech. I like his point that the purpose of a keynote could be one of 3 things: to make a speech -which is to get one point across to an audience, to entertain, or to educate and train.
14 November 2008
A to Z of luck : Enthusiasm
It's Day 5 of my project to identify things which help bring luck. I am working on the theory, that the Genius of luck is first, spotting opportunities, and second, taking advantage of them.
Today: E is for Enthusiasm
Opportunities come the way of people who show they are keen to help out and keen to take action. Enthusiasm, or keenness, or general positivity makes you a much nicer person to be around (provided, of course, it is balanced by groundedness and giving space for other people - no one likes people who are so manically enthusiastic that they take up all the oxygen in the room. )
If you need help in being more positive, energised and enthusiastic, try the Improv game "Yes And"with a friend. You tell a story, taking turns to add a sentence. Each time, their sentence begins with "Yes and ...". That's it. Try it. Try it with yourself if no-one else is around.
There's no chance to block ideas, be negative or critical, it gets you into a positive, accepting mindset, and all that positivity is positively energising.
When I did performance improv with Short and Girlie, I always got there early for warm-ups, and always tried to do a round of "Yes and ..." with each of the players on the evening, especially those I didn't know well. It really helped to put me into a creative, lively mindset.
And of course - being positive, aware, alert to opportunities, listening to those around us can all help us be alert to opportunities, and generally make us luckier.
Tomorrow, the letter F!
13 November 2008
A to Z of Luck : D is for Detachment and also for Drive - in balance
Day 4 of my Luck project, where I look at the factors which helps us access the "genius of luck"
Today - the letter D, and Detachment.
Sometimes the most important way to get ahead is to let go. Sometimes, you need to go backwards to go forward. It's like trying to push through the bushes, after snagging your clothing. Sometimes, you just have to go back.
That doesn't mean discipline and drive aren't important - they are. It's just that both discipline and drive draw deep on energy reserves, which eventually become exhausted. Sometimes, letting go, taking a deep breath and stepping back helps us see the big picture, stop wasting time on unnecessary activities, recharge our batteries and move forward.
Today - the letter D, and Detachment.
Sometimes the most important way to get ahead is to let go. Sometimes, you need to go backwards to go forward. It's like trying to push through the bushes, after snagging your clothing. Sometimes, you just have to go back.
That doesn't mean discipline and drive aren't important - they are. It's just that both discipline and drive draw deep on energy reserves, which eventually become exhausted. Sometimes, letting go, taking a deep breath and stepping back helps us see the big picture, stop wasting time on unnecessary activities, recharge our batteries and move forward.
12 November 2008
A to Z of Luck : C is for Courage, Charm, and Calm
It's day 3 of my project to provide an antidote to the pessimism we find all around us, by exploring the ways that we can make our own luck.
I believe we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities,and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, being able to take advantage of them. I believe there are things we can do to make luck more likely, to help us make the most of the opportunities that are around us, even if the wider economy is in recession.
Each day will be themed around a letter of the alphabet, and today it's the letter "C".
Seneca observed that "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult"
Nothing brings luck like taking action on opportunities. Nothing impedes it more than feeling paralysed by guilt. Having the courage to take action, to take the first step on a journey, can make all the difference.
I recall Prince Charles suggested that moral courage, like physical courage, needs to be practiced. Being brave in small ways - making a phone call, asking for help, speaking up when you see unfairness - can all lead to better luck.
C is also for Charm. People who are charming, are also attractive, and attract luck and other opportunities. It's not about looks, it's about being someone others want to be around.
Being positive is charming. Being interested in others, and happy in your own skin is charming. And to start with, courtesy is charming: it never hurts to say please, thank you, and excuse me, in a sincere and friendly way. That's not to say we need to get hidebound by etiquette codes, which serve to delineate who is in, and who is out. The true purpose of courtesy,and codes of manners, is to set up a system where others feel comfortable. That is not to say that you need be a pushover. It is possible to be both charming and assertive.
And finally - C is about Calm.
If you're always running here and there, if your life is constantly full, there won't be any space to reflect. Stop every so often, take time to small the roses, to find an oasis of calmness. You'll feel better, and be better able to direct your energies.
So to attract luck: be courageous, be charming, be courteous, and find some calmness every once and a while.
Tomorrow: the letter D
I believe we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities,and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, being able to take advantage of them. I believe there are things we can do to make luck more likely, to help us make the most of the opportunities that are around us, even if the wider economy is in recession.
Each day will be themed around a letter of the alphabet, and today it's the letter "C".
C is for Courage, and for Charm, and for Calm.
Seneca observed that "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult"
Nothing brings luck like taking action on opportunities. Nothing impedes it more than feeling paralysed by guilt. Having the courage to take action, to take the first step on a journey, can make all the difference.
I recall Prince Charles suggested that moral courage, like physical courage, needs to be practiced. Being brave in small ways - making a phone call, asking for help, speaking up when you see unfairness - can all lead to better luck.
C is also for Charm. People who are charming, are also attractive, and attract luck and other opportunities. It's not about looks, it's about being someone others want to be around.
Being positive is charming. Being interested in others, and happy in your own skin is charming. And to start with, courtesy is charming: it never hurts to say please, thank you, and excuse me, in a sincere and friendly way. That's not to say we need to get hidebound by etiquette codes, which serve to delineate who is in, and who is out. The true purpose of courtesy,and codes of manners, is to set up a system where others feel comfortable. That is not to say that you need be a pushover. It is possible to be both charming and assertive.
And finally - C is about Calm.
If you're always running here and there, if your life is constantly full, there won't be any space to reflect. Stop every so often, take time to small the roses, to find an oasis of calmness. You'll feel better, and be better able to direct your energies.
So to attract luck: be courageous, be charming, be courteous, and find some calmness every once and a while.
Tomorrow: the letter D
11 November 2008
A to Z of Luck : B is for Belief, and B is for Breathing Space
It's day 2 of my project to provide an antidote to the pessimism we find all around us, by exploring the ways that we can make our own luck.
My instinct is that we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities,and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, being able to take advantage of them. I believe there are things we can do to make luck more likely, to help us make the most of the opportunities that are around us, even if the wider economy is in recession.
Each day will be themed around a letter of the alphabet, and today it's the letter "B".
B is for Belief, and B is also for Breathing Space
Henry Ford said " Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you're right."
Two members of my family have wildly different experiences and approaches to finding a space to park a car. One believes she'll get the parking space very close to where she needs it. She believes that it will be there, and drives to where she wants to be. A high percentage of the time, she succeeds.
Another family member is more pessimistic. He assumes he's unlikely to get a park right next to a popular event, or in the centre of town, because they will all have been taken by early-comers. One of two things often happens. First, he may park a distance from the venue, assuming it's the best he'll get, and then walk past empty spaces en route. Or, if he does drive close to the venue, his assumption that parks won't be available leads him to miss the parking spaces right under his nose until he's passed them. In Christchurch's one-way system, this often means that he's missed his opportunity to park and someone else gets the space.
The key difference: if you expect good things to happen, if you expect opportunities to be there (even in a recession) you're more likely to spot them when they do occur, and not just through the rear-view mirror.
Believing that luck is on your side, that you will have opportunities, is the first step.
B is for Belief, and it's also for Breath, and for Breathing Space.
Step two is creating some breathing space.
Taking a deep breath can instantly revive and recharge us, provide perspective, reduce anxiety, and even restore a sense of humour.
It's no accident that someone said "take time to smell the roses". In the act of inhaling we oxygenate our blood, feeding our brains and making them function more effectively.
It's also easy to get panicked, to think that more is better, to cram our days so full, to heap our expectations of ourselves so high that we don't have space to fit in new opportunities that come along.
I can't remember where I first heard the truism that "we need to make space in our lives for good things to come in"
Breathing space is vital to provide us with perspective and restore our energy, if we are to notice the opportunities around us, and make space to do something about it.
So today's lessons to bring luck then: Believe that opportunities are there. Take time every so often to detach from whatever you're doing to take a deep breath and look at what's around you. Create some breathing space, to recharge your batteries, and to make space in your life and work for good things to come in.
Do share any other thoughts you have. I'll be back tomorrow with thoughts on luck and the letter "C", which brings us Courage and also Charm.
My instinct is that we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities,and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, being able to take advantage of them. I believe there are things we can do to make luck more likely, to help us make the most of the opportunities that are around us, even if the wider economy is in recession.
Each day will be themed around a letter of the alphabet, and today it's the letter "B".
B is for Belief, and B is also for Breathing Space
Henry Ford said " Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you're right."
Two members of my family have wildly different experiences and approaches to finding a space to park a car. One believes she'll get the parking space very close to where she needs it. She believes that it will be there, and drives to where she wants to be. A high percentage of the time, she succeeds.
Another family member is more pessimistic. He assumes he's unlikely to get a park right next to a popular event, or in the centre of town, because they will all have been taken by early-comers. One of two things often happens. First, he may park a distance from the venue, assuming it's the best he'll get, and then walk past empty spaces en route. Or, if he does drive close to the venue, his assumption that parks won't be available leads him to miss the parking spaces right under his nose until he's passed them. In Christchurch's one-way system, this often means that he's missed his opportunity to park and someone else gets the space.
The key difference: if you expect good things to happen, if you expect opportunities to be there (even in a recession) you're more likely to spot them when they do occur, and not just through the rear-view mirror.
Believing that luck is on your side, that you will have opportunities, is the first step.
B is for Belief, and it's also for Breath, and for Breathing Space.
Step two is creating some breathing space.
Taking a deep breath can instantly revive and recharge us, provide perspective, reduce anxiety, and even restore a sense of humour.
It's no accident that someone said "take time to smell the roses". In the act of inhaling we oxygenate our blood, feeding our brains and making them function more effectively.
It's also easy to get panicked, to think that more is better, to cram our days so full, to heap our expectations of ourselves so high that we don't have space to fit in new opportunities that come along.
I can't remember where I first heard the truism that "we need to make space in our lives for good things to come in"
Breathing space is vital to provide us with perspective and restore our energy, if we are to notice the opportunities around us, and make space to do something about it.
So today's lessons to bring luck then: Believe that opportunities are there. Take time every so often to detach from whatever you're doing to take a deep breath and look at what's around you. Create some breathing space, to recharge your batteries, and to make space in your life and work for good things to come in.
Do share any other thoughts you have. I'll be back tomorrow with thoughts on luck and the letter "C", which brings us Courage and also Charm.
10 November 2008
A to Z of Luck : A is for Artist Date
Do we make our own luck?
Today I am working on a short oration, for the NSANZ Christchurch Chapter Orator's contest. The topic: "Luck: you make your own". It's got me thinking:
Is there some invisible force called "luck" passing back and forth across the countryside, alighting here and there on fortunate people, skirting the unfortunate and pouring down like waterfall on a blessed few?
It is reported that Napoleon Bonaparte, in selecting his Generals, required that they be lucky men.Whether he thought this was an innate quality, or something they earned, or made themselves I don't know.
Some people chase luck like they seek the magic bullet – hoping against hope, waiting for the day that their luck will turn. In the meantime, they anaethetise their pains, avoid feeling by filling their time with celebrity gossip, drink, drug, food, or TV.
Others seem to be effortlessly lucky - with opportunities abounding all around.
My instinct is that we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities, every day, and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, able to take advantage of them. And that there are a number of things we can do to make luck more likely.
As I played around with speech structures, I thought about the factors that influence luck. Three things stood out: being Early, having Faith that you will find what you need and behaving accordingly, and the freedom from guilt that comes with knowing you are up to date and have done your best.
Having come up with and E (Early), F(Faith) and G(Guilt-free) I kept going, and along with my Flat White coffee, realised I could go all the way from A to Z, on the subject of luck, and how to find it.
Much has been made of the recession, with gloom and doom about the economy in newspapers and on tv. As an antidote to the pessimism, I offer you the beginning of my A to Z of luck. There will be 26 instalments (one for each letter of the alphabet), and of course, that begins with the letter A.
A is for Artist's Date, and for Action:
The concept of the Artist Date, comes from the work of Julia Cameron, and her program The Artist’s Way. (It is also called a Time Out in The Artist's Way at Work, written by Julia, and Mark Bryan). It's a weekly, planned time-out where you take time to do something that feeds your inner artist or explorer.
It may be taking time to visit antique shops, to walk along the beach and collect shells for a collage, it could be a trip to a movie. Or maybe time spent baking and icing a cake.
Especially in these times, we need to make time to explore our passions, to connect with and feed our creative spirit. Paul Hawken advises
“Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous. That has more of an effect on economic well-being than any other single factor”
A is also for Action – taking action on worries, making small changes, however imperfect, is more likely to lead to rewards. When we take action we get the feeling we have power over our circumstances.
So: to make luck for yourself: take time to take Action, and plan some Artist Date time to nurture your inspiration and creativity.
Tomorrow: the letter “B”
Today I am working on a short oration, for the NSANZ Christchurch Chapter Orator's contest. The topic: "Luck: you make your own". It's got me thinking:
Is there some invisible force called "luck" passing back and forth across the countryside, alighting here and there on fortunate people, skirting the unfortunate and pouring down like waterfall on a blessed few?
It is reported that Napoleon Bonaparte, in selecting his Generals, required that they be lucky men.Whether he thought this was an innate quality, or something they earned, or made themselves I don't know.
Some people chase luck like they seek the magic bullet – hoping against hope, waiting for the day that their luck will turn. In the meantime, they anaethetise their pains, avoid feeling by filling their time with celebrity gossip, drink, drug, food, or TV.
Others seem to be effortlessly lucky - with opportunities abounding all around.
My instinct is that we all are surrounded by a myriad of opportunities, every day, and that the genius of luck is first, being able to see them, and second, able to take advantage of them. And that there are a number of things we can do to make luck more likely.
As I played around with speech structures, I thought about the factors that influence luck. Three things stood out: being Early, having Faith that you will find what you need and behaving accordingly, and the freedom from guilt that comes with knowing you are up to date and have done your best.
Having come up with and E (Early), F(Faith) and G(Guilt-free) I kept going, and along with my Flat White coffee, realised I could go all the way from A to Z, on the subject of luck, and how to find it.
Much has been made of the recession, with gloom and doom about the economy in newspapers and on tv. As an antidote to the pessimism, I offer you the beginning of my A to Z of luck. There will be 26 instalments (one for each letter of the alphabet), and of course, that begins with the letter A.
A is for Artist's Date, and for Action:
The concept of the Artist Date, comes from the work of Julia Cameron, and her program The Artist’s Way. (It is also called a Time Out in The Artist's Way at Work, written by Julia, and Mark Bryan). It's a weekly, planned time-out where you take time to do something that feeds your inner artist or explorer.
It may be taking time to visit antique shops, to walk along the beach and collect shells for a collage, it could be a trip to a movie. Or maybe time spent baking and icing a cake.
Especially in these times, we need to make time to explore our passions, to connect with and feed our creative spirit. Paul Hawken advises
“Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous. That has more of an effect on economic well-being than any other single factor”
A is also for Action – taking action on worries, making small changes, however imperfect, is more likely to lead to rewards. When we take action we get the feeling we have power over our circumstances.
So: to make luck for yourself: take time to take Action, and plan some Artist Date time to nurture your inspiration and creativity.
Tomorrow: the letter “B”
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