Do You Spend Time With People Who Don't Make You Feel Great?

This morning I talked to John Ogier on 2NSB about networking and how to expand your social circle. But what about the friendships you already have that don't support you?

Discover How To Spring-Clean Your Mates!

Who we are is a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with, but as we grow older and wiser the friends we've had by our sides for years don't necessarily grow at the same rate or in the same direction as us anymore. As friends grow apart it's easy to try and hang on to how things used to be however this can often be detrimental to your own peace of mind as you hang back trying to make an old routine work.

This is a topic that always makes people feel uncomfortable but, regardless of the season, it's important to spring-clean your friends every now and again to make sure your time and attention is spend wisely.

So as we kick-on into Easter, spend a few moments reflecting on the people you spend time with. Ask yourself: -

• Do you spend time with people who don't make you feel good?
• What would a 'Spring Clean' of your friends look like?
• What difference would it make to you life?

Have you ever made a conscious decision to change your circle of friends? Post a comment - let me know what your did and how successful your strategy was.

Givers Gain

I belong to BNI, the worlds largest networking group with over 130,000 members globally. The BNI ethos is 'Givers Gain' and we work to provide referrals to BNI members in order to grow our respective businesses.

Last night I attended their new members training and it really got me thinking about the two different approaches people typically have to life:-

1. They focus on what other people can do for them; or
   
2. They focus on what they can do for others

This ties nicely in with the coaching model of 'Cause vs Effect' - do you look to blame others for the results you're getting or do you choose to be at cause and take responsibility yourself?

Once you start to put yourself at cause and spend time looking at how you can contribute to those around you rather than waiting to see what others can do for you, that's when you'll start seeing massive results. As BNI say "Givers Gain" and I guess that's also called karma!

What are you going to do today to help someone else?

Your 2008 Perky Plan

As featured in January 2008 Fitness First Members Magazine

If you're like most, your 2008 New Year's resolutions probably involve creating a 'new you'. Perhaps you want to lose weight, stop smoking, find a new partner, or carve out an exciting new career for yourself. They're all great goals, and highly achievable with the right level of motivation and conviction. However, have you ever actually planned to be happy? Follow this five-step 'Perky Plan' and you'll inject some happiness into your life. It's quick, it's easy, it's fun, and it work! Happy New Year, new you!

STEP 1 - BECOME CLEAR AND IN CONTROL

I'm willing to bet you probably spend more time planning your weekends that you do planning to be happy! If you stumble through life with no clear goals in place it's easy to get lost in the daily grind. So sit down today and get creative; design the life you want to leave, organise how you're going to do it, and enjoy being in control of your future. Aside from having clarity and direction, you'll find life's a lot more fun when you know where you're going!

STEP 2 - GET HEALTHY

Now this isn't rocket science but given the obesity levels in Australia and general lack of wellbeing I think the obvious needs to be said: if you're run-down, sick, tired and sluggish you're going to find it hard to be perky. Time and time again scientific evidence proves that healthy living can increase your levels of happiness, so stop putting time and effort into excuses and, instead, choose to invest in your wellbeing today.

STEP 3 - GET A BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Optimistic and positive people live longer, get sick less, are more successful, have better relationships, and are more likely to succeed in their careers. Those are all proven facts. Do you really need any more reasons to start being positive? Decide how you want to see the world, stop looking for the negative and practice having a perky perspective today. There are millions of people in the world worse off than you, so write a list today of five things you could feel positive about.

STEP 4 - COME TOGETHER

Good quality relationships, both personally and professionally, help reduce stress and depression, and increase your sense of wellbeing. Make a concerted effort to seek out positive, perky people and surround yourself with them everyday. Call your most fun friend now and make arrangements to see them this week, or join a new networking group to expand your social and professional circles.

STEP 5 - BECOME PERKY NOW!

Stop saying 'when' and start living 'now'! Are there any reasons why you would postpone being happy until tomorrow? No one else can live your life for you, or make you happy, so put your Perky Plan in place today, start living in the moment and put mediocre behind you for good. Remember, being upbeat won't kill you; but being glum just might!

Increase Your Bank Balance!

If you've been reading our weekly newsletter you'll know that "your network is your net worth" (and if you haven't been reading it then what are you waiting for - sign up today, it's free!

So if you've decided that your network isn't quite how you'd like it to be, here are some great networking groups you can join (mainly in Australia) to increase your social and professional circles:-

- BNI - BNI (Business Network International) is a business referral organisation whose primary purpose is to assist its members to find and exchange qualified business referrals for each other and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques. Great if you have a business and want to increase your revenue and referrals!

- Network Central - a first class business networking group. For people who have lives..

- ABN - Australian Businesswomen's Network - a fantastic resource and networking group for women in business.

- Business Chicks - this is a professional yet funky group that brings together hundreds of women who want to expand their network, both personally and professionally.

- The Last Thursday Club - a monthly networking event for creative businesspeople — entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, idea-makers and thought-leaders. A great opportunity to meet new people who think outside the square!

Have fun and let us know how you get on!