So I am peddling along to the station, a super early train booked in preparation for presenting to Danone UK in Ealing at lunchtime. I’ve worked with them for years, a brilliant company full of great employees, so I was looking forward to the Impact Workshop for Energised Business Athletes.
As I peddle I think, ‘it’s ironic, my complex mix of neurological conditions over the last year have changed everything, and many things for the better. I am much more prepared, take more time and really, really plan to do my very best. For, if my brain is having a ‘not so good day’ I have to be super prepared to deliver to a standard I am happy. So, relaxed with hours to spend I board the train.
I used to drive up to Danone UK, its quicker and easier. Yet driving currently is not an option. I’ve never had a big problem with the trains, I must have been lucky…. 90mins later we were still sitting in Parkway station, and then the trains to London were cancelled for the morning, so no presentation.
This challenges me, I don’t like to let people down yet there is nothing you can do… cycle, bus, but all a bit too late.
So I return to the office to write this blog for Danone before presenting next week.
Over the last year, I have learned many things, and the power of true flexibility is definitely one of them. Here are my Top Tips for Learning to Become Flexible ....
1. Be calm. Things change and adapt, if you remain calm, then those around you will and you can sort out the best plan for everyone. There is always a solution.
2. Relax. This lowers your adrenalin allowing you to think clearly about how best to adapt and change your plans to give the best outcome for those who are expecting you.
3. Write. Your thoughts down, about what has limited you because of the change, and how you would adapt things in the future. Write how you want to add value, to the person/people for letting them down, and should you be able to meet the commitment in the future.
4. Let Go. Sometimes things are out of your control, for whatever reason. Don’t waste too much time feeling stuck, bad or cross about what you cannot change. Instead, focus on what you can do to add value to your day in a different way.
5. Believe in Opportunities. Out of every situation there is always a learning, growth and opportunity, even if you can’t see it at first, so remain open and curious.
I hope my 5 little thoughts help you to realise you can still flow with success, whatever happens in your day. I gave the ticket man a scratch card as I had a spare one in my wallet. He was super helpful with regards to the travel (even though he couldn’t actually help), giving him this, made his day. The business man behind me said I was an intriguing character, reading the Financial Times, calling my client and remaining the most calm on the train, blond hair in a plait, giving out a scratch card… was a lesson to us all!. He said he took note of my business. Who know’s what will happen, but this happened because I had the courage to remain relaxed and calm.
Of course I am exceptionally grateful to Danone UK for being so accommodating, it really is one thing on the values list of my business to always deliver my best and not to let this happen. But I hope if you are reading this, you have been super productive in the hours you would have been with me, as well as taken a 20min (minimum) break and got outside to boost your energy, focus and mood with the lovely Vitamin D (Read more here: http://www.vitamindsociety.org/news.php) and fresh air.
Whilst I was waiting and hoping the train would move I read some interesting articles you may like to find:
New Scientist, 12th July Issue – WHEAT, Should you go Gluten Free?
Runner’s World, August Issue, UK – 50 Best Races in the World – Good Goal Choices for Accountability?!
Top Sante, August Issue – The Secret Signs of Poor Health and How to Spot Them
Financial Times, Today – Working Smarter, ‘It can help to take work stress home’ An opinion
For Monday Motivation, Wednesday Workouts and Friday Food Tips visit the Energised Blog to read more: http://www.energisedperformance.com/blog
I really look forward to presenting with Danone UK next week, maybe I will cycle up the night before….. always prepare for the unexpected!
Have a wonderful week #unlockyourpotential
