Happiness
Our Changing Identities
June 2009, age 28. The month I got excited about a garden. In my defence, it was my garden. The former gravel pit surrounded by blue concrete walls began its transformation into an urban oasis. To me growing up, caring about a garden was a symbol of the dullness that was the lives of the [...]
The Power of Positive Engagement
Ever had trouble motivating yourself for something?
Ever done battle with procrastination?
Ever struggled even to get out of bed in the morning?
Yeah, me too. Honestly I don’t think anyone can beat those ogres all the time. We’re human. We’re fallible. Big deal.
So I’m going to look at something that will get you moving most of the [...]
Optimism vs. Cynicism
Cynicism is everywhere. It’s so easy to be cynical.It gives you a little boost to know that you’re cynical enough to see through the evil plots that surround you in every aspect of life. It’s also easy to be cynical with others, a little mutual back scratching showing each other you can see through the [...]
Security and Fear
It’s a sure thing that living in fear will seriously harm your quality of life. But fear is a base human emotion, ever-ready to come charging over the hill to storm your fort. Many writers have stressed the importance of living without fear (or indeed feeling it and doing it anyway).
But a little fear can [...]
The Fear of Seeming Cheap
In the current economic climate, with each day bringing new portents of doom, the arguments in favour of being frugal and saving yourself a little cash are more persuasive than ever.
People often hit the quick wins first: eat out less, drive less, postpone major purchases. And that’s wise. But in a week when I repaired [...]
Diversify Your Life
The advice to businesses is always to diversify like crazy, not to keep all their golden eggs in one slightly fragile-looking basket. The idea being that if one market you’re in zigs, hopefully the other one will zag to make up for any fall in business.
I believe diversification is important for individuals as well as [...]
The Draw of the Coffee Shop
Why do people love coffee shops? If you’re like me you walk past several each day. You see the people inside and feel a little jealous. If you’re really like me you’ll remember there’s free coffee at home or at work and keep on walking. But every once in a while, [...]
New Beginnings
I’ve got a new job. As of next month I’m going to be a productivity trainer. Just like David Allen. In fact almost exactly like David Allen. That excites me very much.
It’s a huge change of direction in my career. I’m giving up the warmth and security of the civil [...]
The Movie of Your Life
Movies are generally split into three acts: the setup, which ends with a major plot development; the main part of the story where the characters try to reach their objectives, usually encountering one more major plot development; and the conclusion, where all the loose ends are tied up before the credits roll. Beginning, middle [...]
The Good Stuff in Life
photo credit: takuya miyamoto*
Today I felt inspired to list out the simple things in life that bring me pleasure, the stuff I like to do that gives me an unmitigated thrill. I have one and only one criterion for selecting what goes on the list: the prospect of doing it must give me [...]
