How Much Is Criticism Costing You?
Little Pointers That Will Save Your Popularity
It's all well and good being open and honest and letting people know what you think, but it's equally as important to ensure that your criticism is constructive so that you aren't seen as judgemental or overly negative.
Follow these simple tips to make sure your criticism is more than a personal ego boost: -
1. Avoid Unnecessary Criticism
It's important to make sure you recognise the good things that people do instead of focussing purely on their faults. Unnecessary criticism is simply a personal ego boost that does nothing other than give the criticiser a false sense of 'being a better person'. Avoid criticising where possible.
2. Offer Encouragement
If you need to criticise make sure it's sincere and that you offer suggestions for improvement as well as encouragement and recognition for the good things that have been done. By encouraging the good qualities in someone they will be more receptive to your comments and ideas.
3. Avoid Moralising
When people need correcting we shouldn't avoid doing it, however it's important to be professional at all times. For example, if you point out a mistake avoid adding any unnecessary judgements about how bad the person is to do it - this will only make them defensive and less willing to act on your suggestions.
Have you criticised someone recently? What strategy did you use? Or have you been criticised yourself? How did it make you feel? Post a comment and let us know.
Would you like to eliminate email-overwhelm?
The worrying thing about 'stuff' is that it builds up - it's like a dirty disease that multiplies and in the end your inbox resembles a dusty archiving system that seems to serve only one purpose - to give you a big headache!
Email's a fantastic tool when it's used smartly but it's detrimental when it's relied on as a key source of communication. So like any bad habit, it's time to take control of this vice before it controls you by following our simple 3-step plan. If you're a subscriber to our e-newsletter you'll already know what you need to do - if not, subscribe now to keep up to date with our regular blasts of inspiration.
Take Control Of Your Emails Before They Control You!
1. Don't Con Yourself With Folders & Rules!
Having multiple 'smart' mailboxes that divert emails into separate folders does not make you more productive, it simply aids procrastination. Instead of spending time setting up complex rules and folders, simply deal with the messages in your inbox now and eliminate filing them altogether!
2. Unsubscribe
How many newsletters, updates and ezines do you receive a week? And how many do you actually read and get value from? Your life, career and business WON'T fall apart if you hit unsubscribe. Having the motto 'I MIGHT need it' isn't smart thinking so ditch what you don't need right now and only focus on what's important.
3. Pick Up The Phone
This ones simple - relationships and effective communication are fundamental in any area of life. But both can be horribly affected by using inappropriate email or relying on cyberspace as being the only form of communication. So before you practice your 100wpm typing speed consider whether picking up the phone might be a more effective medium? It's easy, it's reliable, and it'll give your inbox a well deserved break!
Is email controlling your life? Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of not being able to log on? Participate in our quick survey at the top of this page, and post a comment now to let us know your thoughts.
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.
Lacking Motivation To Lose Weight Or Exercise?
The 3 Reasons Why People Don't Just Stick To Their Exercise & Weight Loss Goals
1. You're not focusing on the pain
To get internal motivation and achieve the results you want you need to remember what the cost is to your life if you don’t lose weight or get fit. Stop thinking about how much better you’ll look on the beach, and instead ask yourself what it will cost you (both short term and long term) not to change these unhelpful habits or patterns of behaviour? Obesity, Heart Attack, Relationships Issues, Unhappiness, Lack of Confidence. That’ll get you going!
2. You Accidentally Set ‘Away From’ Goals
Most people set themselves unspecific goals that are ‘moving away’ from what they want – for example ‘I don’t want to be fat’. That’s OK to get you started, but as soon as you lose a little bit of weight, your motivation drops, and you start to slack off again. ‘Away from’ goals focus your mind on what you don’t want─and help you get more of it. To enjoy long-lasting results you need compelling, specific and time-bound goals that pull you ‘Towards’ the things you want.
3. You Have Mixed ‘Pain vs Pleasure’ Associations:
Do you look forward to exercising & losing weight, or do you associate these ‘tasks’ with pain? People will do more to avoid pain than they will to find pleasure. So if you have mixed associations, part of you will want to workout, but another stronger part will resist it. You won’t be able to succeed long term, and you’ll just give up. Willpower is NOT the answer. You need to change these associations so that you’re effortlessly pulled to the gym and healthy foods, without needing will power at all.
Let me know what your challenges are regarding motivation - post a comment now!
Who Else Wants To Be An Entrepreneur?
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So what challenges are you coming up against that are stopping you putting your fabulous ideas into play? I'm coaching some outstanding entrepreneurs at the moment who are getting great results - let me know whats bothering you and you could be experiencing great results too!
Post a comment now!
Faye