Is it still self development if no one knows?  Sounds a bit Zen-like, doesn’t it?  Like - “If a tree falls in the forest and there’s no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?”  If you’re working on your self development without telling anyone - will they notice?

 

 

Thing is - I think - once you are practising self-development sincerely, it won’t be possible for no one to know!  If you are developing, of course people are going to know.  On yesterdays teleseminar with Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup books, Success Principles etc.) his “homework” to us for the coming month is to do one simple thing, just choose one, and so it every day for the next 30 days, and see what the result.

 

Obviously he means do something good and positive for yourself and/or others.  For instance he has committed to getting a full 8 hours sleep every night, come what may, for the 30 days.  Other suggestions might be:

 

Now - back to my original theme.  Do you think that, if you were to implement any one of these for 30 days, there would be no noticeable difference in you?  Would people notice a change in your behaviour?  Might you appear more relaxed if you had had a month of appreciating yourself, your friends, your work colleagues, getting enough rest, any of these things?

 

I’m betting that everyone close to you, and probably people who didn’t even know you that well, would see a change in your attitude.  Because that’s where it would show.  You can’t remain lacking in confidence if you are telling yourself every day that you’re worthwhile, and showing that appreciation of yourself in some way.  You’ll be seen as the chirpiest person in the office if you’re constantly thanking colleagues when appropriate.  And just how much will relationships with all your loved ones improve, if you tell them that you love them, everyday for the next 30 days.

 

I’m not claiming credit for Jack Canfield’s suggestion, but I do think that it perfectly illustrates what I’ve been getting at here today.  I believe that when you embark on any element of self-development, no matter how small an act it might be, the ripple effect can be very powerful.

 

 

When you’ve decided on one trait you admire, try copying it for yourself for the next few weeks.  You may love someone else’s ability to be on time for appointments, a friend’s dedication to keeping in touch, you might love when someone sends you a letter or card.  Now you do it.  See how it feels to be doing the thing you admire.  Remember, then YOU deserve admiration too!

So - anyone who knows me - you can look out for my peaceful, serene smile over the next few weeks!  Have fun out there.

 

Watch out for “SoundBites of Self Development” on Twitter.  Some days it would be great just to have those few words of encouragement, or support for what you’re doing.  I’m hoping that Twitter will facilitate that.  I can broadcast a message (or send one privately) just 140 characters long.  Just long enough for a sentence or two of help or of interest.

 

Yes, I’ve done it!  I’ve decided to try out the phenomenon that is Twitter.  If you have any hints, please let me know, because I’m a newbie.  My hope is that this may be a way to have a wordwide converstation about self development, NLP, personal development and all things life-coach related.

 

I attended a lunchtime seminar on Wednesday.  Yesterday I set up my profile “MegaPotential“.  Sounds flashy, but basically LifePotential, YourPotential, MyPotential were all gone, and I thought WHAT could be left?  So - MegaPotential it is!

 

Already I have connected to a coach in the States -Beth Banning - whose goal is to “offer ideas that promote conscious conversation, inspire conscious action, and create a more conscious world.”

 

I liked the sound of that so I’m “following” her.  I can search for terms like “self development” and scan through all the people who tweet on self improvement issues.  For me, it’s like if I wanted to ask something from a group of friends and I stood up in the group and asked my question, or made my statement.  With Twitter - the world is my group of friends.  When I send a short message, or ask a question, I’m standing up in front of the world and asking for response.

 

I like the fact that, whereas FaceBook, Bebo, etc. are about linking all your friends and family, Twitter is about finding new friends.  I can have conversations with like-minded people all over the globe without having to meet them or know them first.  Maybe I will meet up with some of them, someday.  Who knows?

 

So watch out for Soundbites of Self Development, and if I get any from anyone else that are worth passing on, I shall “ReTweet” them.

 

 

Thanks to one of my friends on Facebook for sending me this link.  I love the idea that one person can take an issue and using just their own knowledge and influence, can bring it to the whole world.  There’s hope for all of us!

 

Music is a great unifier, across cultures, tribes, beliefs, traditions and difficulties.  These musicians weren’t even together physically for this piece, but unified in musical spirit.  I love it.  I hope you do too.

 

Music can speak straight to our souls, when our minds might be too logical and analytical, and our hearts might be too full of hatred or grief.  The truth of the balance and harmony of music can leave us speechless.  And so it should be.  It unites us at a level that is pre-language, basic and essential.  It is our universal language that can never be ignored.

 

Listen and see how much you can enjoy it.

 

 

Here’s a start:

I think you get the idea.  Maybe none of these is your particular favourite, but I know there are easy, inexpensive treats we can all avail of, if we put our minds to it.  One of mine is playing “Risk” with the family (it’s a board game based on world domination!) great for unleashing hidden megalomaniac in all of us!

 

When you have your list made, start putting them into practice, and have fun!

 

Let me know what you’re favourites are.  I’ll put some in next month’s newsletter.