Category: 2023

The MAGIC formula:

Move
Attune
Give
Inspire
Connect

—

The Light Fantastic

Take time to see the light.

At this time of year, towards the end of February, at this time of the morning, 11:30 am, the light coming into my office/studio window is sublime. I have discovered that it catches me unawares. I find that, even if I’m due to go and do something else, I can’t move. I have to sit there and enjoy it for at least a minute.

I find that this act of generosity to myself, to allow myself to enjoy the sun’s rays through the window for a minute or two during a busy life, is hugely rewarding. Letting the light and its beauty penetrate my brain, just noticing it and enjoying it, is a mini mindfulness exercise that spurs dividends throughout the rest of the day.

Velcro and Teflon

I heard a talk or read in a book sometime last year that we remember bad things much more quickly than good things. Something to do with spotting tigers in the grass, apparently. Potential hazards are like Velcro in our brains, and beautiful, uplifting things tend to be like Teflon. We will immediately latch on to the negative and find it hard to forget. However, If we want something positive to register, we have to dwell on it for at least 30 seconds for it to sink in.

Given this is how our brains are wired, why not develop the habit of stopping and dwelling on beautiful, funny or uplifting things? Give yourself 30 seconds for them to embed, and they will provide resources for your life going forward.

Be generous to yourself, Give yourself time, and load yourself up with positive stuff. Stuff in equals stuff out.

See the light. Notice the light. Allow the light to sink in and stick.

—

Please feel free to share any part of this content with anyone you think may find it helpful.

Help Please!

I am writing a book about using The MAGIC Formula to manage yourself, particularly if you work from home.

If you are a freelancer, self-employed, or work from home in another capacity, I would love to talk to you.

If you would like to help, please get in touch:

Contact

The MAGIC formula:

Moving
Attuning
Giving
Inspiring
Connecting

—

Are You Alright, Deer?

I am very privileged to be able to walk my dog around Christ Church Meadow in Oxford every morning. At the time of writing, it is icy cold and beautiful. A frozen flood covers half of it. The trees look amazing in the frost, picture-framing the dreaming spires beyond.

The footpath runs around the outside of two large fenced-off fields. A substantial hedgerow runs down the middle. There is a small herd of roe deer that live inside it. The whole hedge currently has its roots underwater, forcing the deer out into the open. This morning, seven were together in half of the meadow, but one was in the other half, separated from the rest by the flood, sitting all by itself on a grassy knoll.

I was sad for that deer at first. I thought it had been separated from its friends. But then I realised that it was there by choice. It had decided that, at least for that day, it wanted to be alone.

Deer-y Me

As I walked, I reflected that I am a bit like that deer. Sometimes I just want to be by myself. Other times I am happy to be with the crowd. Everything seems to go better when I organise my life and work with this in mind.

Have you attuned to your own optimal way of working and your individual way of recharging? The answer will be different for everyone, but it is worth thinking about it. And, once you get clear about this, you can start to design and structure your life in a way that is suited to you, and you will become happier and more productive.

Antlers on a Postcard, Please

Are you a solitary deer, or do you prefer to stay with the herd at all times?

—

Help Please!

If you know any groups or companies that could benefit from my speech “The MAGIC Formula to Win the Respect of Your Team”, please put me in touch.