Amie Crews Coach - Get results, enjoy the experience

Hate queues? Try these...

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Whether you partake in Christmas celebrations or not, it's difficult to avoid the excessive queues in supermarkets and high street shops, as well as the increased traffic whether on the roads, public transport or on foot.

I've already had my own experience of shopper rage. One of the shoppers in the queue in front of me make that fatal error of deciding they needed the item that was just across from the tills. They left the queue to retrieve it and then tried to re-occupy their space. Much to my horror (and amusement) the person behind where they were standing previously would not let them back in the queue!! Following some cross words it all got resolved and the person was permitted to rejoin said queue but it did get me thinking...

It would be easy to allow these things to irritate, annoy and frustrate us all, however, in the spirit of fun, I've been asking around for ways that you can keep yourselves and others occupied and therefore eliminate or at least minimise any shopper rage incidents. They are mainly focused around supermarket shopping and I'm sure you can relate to at least one.

I have tried a number of these - but you have a go at your own risk and please add your comments and ideas below !

So here goes...

Race the next queue (bit obvious)
Make up recipes from other peoples food shopping - extra points for creativity
Guess how many bags you'll need (bit dull)
Make shapes and faces with your own shopping on the conveyor belt (this is brilliant fun, see if the checkout person notices and gets involved)
Sing - and see if anyone joins in (risky)
Talk to the person next to you in the queue about how the shop place chocolate and snacks at the till to ambush you
Consider if you had half the money - what would you put back (encouraging frugality)
Put your shopping in alphabetical order (more of a challenge than you might think)
Plan the things you want to do that evening/week/weekend (you may need pen/paper)
Decide which of the 6 bottles of wine you're buying you'll drink with who... these can be fantasy drinking partners in fantasy locations
Consider all the people and processes involved in getting that tin of sardines into your trolley - there is so much more to even the simplest purchases than meets the eye.

Next time...fun things to do whilst stuck in holiday traffic

Are you a distraction?

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:36:00 +0000

If you have ever had the pleasure of making a presentation, delivering a training session, briefing people or being in any kind of meeting (plus a zillion other environments) then you may have experienced your own or other peoples distracting mannerisms.
What do I mean by a distracting mannerism?
Well, its a mannerism or behaviour that someone displays that is such a distraction, it captures your attention more than what the person is saying!

You might have experienced some of the following:

Pen clicking or pointing
Repeating certain phrases
Fiddling with hair or clothing

And while it might be quite amusing to keep a tally on how many times something has been said - if you are the butt of the amusement it means that your message is just not getting across.

If you've realised that you display a mannerism that may be a distraction, what next?

Firstly, monitor yourself - notice if you start pen clicking or tapping your fingers on the desk.

You can ask for feedback, from your participants or peers.

You could set up a video camera to watch back and observe your own behaviour

Once you've noticed it or its been brought to your attention, you will probably continue to display the behaviour - pen clicking for example and then you will suddenly become aware and kick yourself!

Expect this to happen at least 2 or 3 times before you can change your behaviour.

Make sure that your audience hears and sees your message - not your annoying mannerisms!

Share your comments on your own most distracting mannerism or one you've witnessed!

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:51:00 +0000

The stress that is? People define stress in so many different ways and it means something different to each one of us.
The Oxford Dictionary describes Stress in the following ways:

[count noun] something that causes a state of strain or tension:the stresses and strains of public life

Feeling stressed to someone could be when they have a report to write before midday that's been landed on the desk at 10, or it could be rushing around running lots of different errands, or even becoming stressed with what's going on around you.
Yesterday, someone said to me"what's worse, being stuck at home because you are unwell and can't do anything, or trying to get to work in all this chaos?!"

She was right, there are definitely different tipping points for each of us.

So my question to you, is What's got you feeling a bit stressed at the moment?
Thats probably a pretty simple question to answer - and lets turn it into something more positive.

Ok, so you've got these 'stressors', but what is GREAT in your life right now?
I urge you to write 3 (or more) things that are truly marvellous in your life, things that you are really happy with.
I'm feeling stressed (you might have realised if you read the previous blog entry), as I'm stuck at home with a suspected prolapsed disc, I'm literally laid up, cant go anywhere (not even a gentle walk to the post box because its too icy)/
But when I stop to think about what's great in my life right now:
1. I can look out at the beautiful scenery around me without being freezing or ending up bruised/
2. I've seen my husband lots more than I would normally (although this in itself has its own stressors!)
3. And finally I've been able to do lots of reading, I've really missed reading, I've just been so busy it was one of the pleasures that escaped me.

So you see, its easy to let things get to us - and sometimes feeling a bit stressed is a good thing, as it spurs us into action but its important to remember that there is always (no matter how small or insignificant it might seem) a positive.

As always, I'd be delighted to see your comments below, both what's getting you stressed and also what's great!!
I always try to answer each of your comments both here and on Twitter

As always you can follow me on Twitter @amiecrewscoach for all the latest bites

Dont sweat the small stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:20:00 +0000

A very good friend of mine once told me "Amie, don't sweat the small stuff".
This mantra has stuck with me ever since.

I'll tell you it hasn't always been easy!! When she first said it, I didn't really know what she meant, why not think about it if its that important? She went on to explain that if I got wound up at every little obstacle or frustration in life, I would end up like a very tightly coiled spring, ready to pop at the most inopportune moment. This wouldn't be good.

I admit, was a bit of a worrier. I wanted everything to be just so, got frustrated when situations or people didn't meet my high standards and wanted a handle on everything.
Its easy to see now that I was putting loads of extra pressure on myself when I really didn't need to.

Now, looking back over the last 5 or 6 years, it seems I have managed to live by this mantra fairly consistently.
Its not that I don't care about stuff (believe me, I do), its more that I make a decision about whether to 'sweat it or not'.

Generally I use the following criteria:

Is it important to me or someone else?
How much control do I have to change/influence the situation?
How much effort do I want to make?
Is it something I REALLY care about?

Depending on the answers, my decision is made!

Thank you dear friend for imparting this little nugget!!

At my best...

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:35:00 +0000

A lot of the work I do involves helping individuals and groups find ways to be at their best, whether at work or home.
As a result of this, I have done a substantial about of work on myself considering when I am at my best.

I've found that it's a really positive way to understand yourself better and consider whether you are making the most of being at your best each day. You will know you are at your best if you are enjoying life, energetic and for me - with a great big smile across my face!

Listed below are a few ways you can try to help you learn about when you are at your best.

One thing I'm proud of...

This is a quick exercise that can be done daily. You can reflect on it and write in a journal if you want to. I think this is great for maintaining positivity and it helps you to see yourself differently

Strengths...

You can spend as much or little time on this as you want, but I find the most benefit comes from doing this over a period of a few days or so. The idea is to list your many strengths. If you can, make a note of any example where you notice yourself using that particular strength

Energy levels...

Make a note of when your energy levels are at their highest and lowest. It may help you to be more productive if you can plan tasks around the peaks and troughs

There are so many different things you can try, but just give some of these a go and see how you get on.

Make the most of being at your best!

25% Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:51:00 +0000

We are roughly 25% through 2011 already!
This last few months have been a bit of a blur for me, especially with the poor health early in the year.

It's astounding what you can achieve in 3 months. I know people who have made career change decisions, making the move from being employed to self employed, people who have made substantial progress on their goals and those who can't remember their goals!

When I think that a quarter of the year is behind me already, I start to wonder what the rest of the year will shape up like.

Will I be able to do everything I want to?
What obstacles might I anticipate?
Who do I have around me to call on for support?

If you haven't done so, it's probably worth having a think about your 2011 resolutions or goals.
Work out whether you have met or exceeded 25% progress.

For some of us, its the gentle nudge we need!
if you haven't downloaded it already, get your free copy of my ebook Creating Great Goals
http://will2succeed.co.uk/FreeResources.aspx

When tomorrow never comes...

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:03:00 +0000

Do you have a never ending 'To Do', list? Maybe tomorrow never comes? or you are just feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be achieved?

We are all guilty of procrastinating from time to time, however it can become a real problem if tomorrow never comes and your list of things to do just keeps growing.

So, how do you overcome this?

Well, the first thing is to recognise that you are probably procrastinating!
Then try to work out the reasons why; this is a crucial step as it means that we are recognising that something needs to change.

The trouble is that once we start putting off a task, it can seem more and more daunting to get going again.

I can speak from experience - when I needed to complete a 7000 word thesis! I really didn't want to write it, so just put it to the back of my mind and tried to forget about it. Of course, the longer I went without doing it, the more I thought about it! It was dominating my life and I hadn't even written it!
Eventually, I had to take action - so I started by just writing a title on a page. Then, the following evening, I grabbed my notepad and just started writing some random ideas! Sounds crazy. but I just wanted to break the pattern.
Amazingly, it felt good, and I carried on like this - just writing random things down for a couple of weeks.
From there I was able to go on to write the Thesis and submit it within a few weeks.

The learning
The longer you avoid doing something the bigger it gets inside your mind. ANY PROGRESS that gets you started wipes away that feeling and gives you a fresh start, and from there it's easier to keep moving once you've got a little momentum.

Try it and see what happens!

Things that are good for the soul - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:34:00 +0000

In January I had a long weekend away with my closest girlie friends and family.
It's a yearly event and whilst we all stay in contact regularly during the year, there is something magical that happens when we actually get together.

So why is this good for the soul?

For a start, it works because we are all there for the same reason, a break from life, husbands and work. Its the start of the new year, so what a fantastic way to get that energy back during the lull following the festivities and a chance to get some bracing January sea air and plenty of time for fun and relaxation.

We all bring our left over Christmas goodies, so we can have a naughty eating weekend and therefore feel all smug when we go home that we have no more junk food left in the house!

We all take our own time to do things and no one feels they 'have' to do anything!
There is a deep understanding between us, we are all happy going with the flow and especially good at creating our own fun.

Its great to be around like minded people and we literally didn't stop laughing from the moment we met up on the Friday! In fact, by Monday we were all so exhausted from laughing that we were aching!
Among all the other things that I've listed above as being great for inner rejuvenation, laughing is definitely good for the soul!!

Things that are good for the soul - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:31:00 +0000

Hello

I'm just back from a few days away with Mum helping her to have a little sort out. For the most part, the de-cluttering related to bits and bobs that weren't mine, but I still found it really therapeutic!

Looking at a cupboard, wardrobe or drawer that is crammed full of stuff...having the mild moment of panic, where suddenly that pile of ironing looks very appealing, or you think it must be time for another cup of tea.

Yep, we've all been there at one time or another, whether at your own home or someone else's.

It's the decisions you make from there though that are truly crucial.

There are many decisions to make, some which bind you with sentimentality, others which are as simple as asking yourself "Did I wear this last year?"

You may find yourself distracted by looking at Photographs etc (which can be a nice activity but can really eat into your time!)

It's all too easy to become frustrated which can lead to ruthlessness, you just chuck everything away to have that lovely clear area, except once you return from the recycling bin you begin to regret your choices, of course, often by then its too late.

This makes the whole experience much more emotional than it needs to be.

Once we had finished, Mum sat down and said "You know what? I cant even remember what we got rid of and I feel really good about it".

That must be good for the soul?

How to get along better with people!

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:06:00 +0000

In my latest Newsletter, I share the basics on understanding behavioural differences as well as some top tips on making things work better - check it out by clicking the title of this post.

I really would like to hear about your experiences, so use the comments box below or tweet me @amiecrewscoach

Til next time...

http://will2succeed.co.uk/February2011.aspx

Top 5 tips to appreciate your loved one

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Do you and your loved one celebrate Valentines day?

Why?

In our household, it is completely ignored!!

Some might find this strange, others may be totally in agreement - while there might be some of you who couldn't care either way!

Although I'm a complete romantic at heart, I just cant get my head around having to celebrate love and relationships on a specific day. Surely, its up to us to decide when and how we should do this?

What do you think? Am I right or should I just get off my high horse?

Anyway here are some top tips to appreciate your loved one (at any time of the year!)

Top 5 tips to appreciate your loved one

1. Surprise them. Whether its cooking a special meal, doing the housework or coming home early from work

2. Show affection. Stop what you're doing and greet them when they arrive home from work, grab quick kisses and cuddles. It sounds really crazy, but its amazing that these things really start to drift when you're in the comfort of a long term relationship.

3. Appreciate them. Its amazing to feel appreciated and its one of our key motivators. Saying Thank you is a good starting point, whether they've made you breakfast or done your ironing. By acknowledging this, you are showing that you're not taking them for granted.

4. Laugh together. My best days are those that include laughter and fun, whether its sharing a joke, watching a funny movie together or just being silly.

5. Do something different together. New adventures and experiences add variety to your relationship and might even open up new hobbies that you can enjoy together. By keeping things fresh and exploring new things together, you will also create more opportunities to share together.

With all of these things, it doesn't mean that you have to be in each others pockets the whole time. In fact, some people find it more successful to have independence, so when they do spend time together, its more special.

Whichever camp you fall into, consider how you can appreciate your loved one today.
Let me know how it goes, I would love to see your comments below!

New Year, New You...hmm

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

At this time of year, most coaches I know are writing about how to set great goals, write good plans and share top tips on motivation.
Yep, I've done the same, well similar - you can find out what I wrote about if you sign up to my newsletter.
Instead, I want to talk about some profound changes that some people have gone through over the last few weeks.

1 of my clients has taken on a bigger challenge that he bargained for (he nabbed a space to run the London Marathon).
2 of my contacts have given something up - completely unprompted and as no direct result of me doing any coaching with them.

And its these 2 people that I want to focus on in this post.
They have both taken the decision to give something up; One was a nail-biter, the other a smoker.
What I find really fascinating about these two, is that they just gave up - no coaching, no withdrawal, no serums or treatments.
Something inside them just triggered, and this was the moment they chose to take their decision.

Now, as someone who has lived with someone with (an annoying) habit for quite a while now, and is one of the people listed above, I simply cannot understand what must have changed internally to help them make their decision? Please, if you can shed any light, I'd be most appreciative.
But what I wonder in awe, is how they can stick to their plans, and focus on what they are gaining - rather than what they are giving up. Maybe that's what its about?

I ask the question, "What changed? After years of nagging by your parents, (and me subsequently), what has suddenly possessed you to stop, right now this minute?".
The answer I received...
"Nothing, I just decided the time was right".
GGRRRR

So, here I am trying to understand it and get to the bottom of the emotional changes, or trigger points, and nothing. My husband is probably not the best person to ask in fairness, so I have been doing some further investigations. The results of which will be published in a forthcoming article.

If you've suddenly decided to change something in your life, please tell me what it is. Use the comments box below...I'd love to understand more about your reasons!!

Are you interested in what else I've been writing about? Click on the link to the left and lower down the page!

An exciting day...

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Well, today has been a day of ups and downs.
I'm only going to share the 'up' part, which is that I'd forgotten that I had written an scheduled some articles.
Today they were published!
I already have a few articles present on the Life Coach Directory, you can view my profile and see them. The recent articles were around various topics such as stress, appreciation, motivation and many more.

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amie_Crews

I'd love to hear your feedback so if you use the link, you can access the articles. Want me to write about different topics? Let me know what your specific issues and challenges are and I'll write about it.

Look forward to receiving your comments

2011...is this your year?

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Ok, so its now 2011. So what?

This was exactly what my husband said to me when I asked him if he had any resolutions for the coming year.

"I don't understand it", he said, "why is is so important to create a resolution now? I can do it any time I want to!"

To a certain extent I have to agree with him.

However I was also quick to point out that people find a new year a great time to re-establish what their focus is and also set themselves some goals to achieve.

There is actually a lot of pressure on people to stick to their resolutions or goals once created, especially if they are shared, as friends and family will be asking how these things are going.

Personally, I use the changeover from one year to the next to de-clutter my life and set my goals for the forthcoming year. I'm sure I'll share with you soon what my goals for this year are, but for now...

Many people I speak with have lots of dreams, wishes and goals for 2011, but I wonder, how many will see them through?

For those of you who are interested, I'm offering an absolutely fantastic series of packages to suit most budgets and get you going with your goals.

You can find the details here - http://www.will2succeed.co.uk/maximumpotentialoffer.aspx

Its a limited time offer, so feel free to share with anyone you think might be interested!

All the best for the year ahead

Amie

Are you feeling it?

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:35:00 +0000

The stress that is? People define stress in so many different ways and it means something different to each one of us.
The Oxford Dictionary describes Stress in the following ways:

2 a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances:he's obviously under a lot of stress[in combination] :stress-related illnesses

[count noun] something that causes a state of strain or tension:the stresses and strains of public life

Yesterday, someone said to me"what's worse, being stuck at home because you are unwell and can't do anything, or trying to get to work in all this chaos?!"

She was right, there are definitely different tipping points for each of us.

So my question to you, is What's got you feeling a bit stressed at the moment?

Thats probably a pretty simple question to answer - and lets turn it into something more positive.

Ok, so you've got these 'stressors', but what is GREAT in your life right now?

I urge you to write 3 (or more) things that are truly marvellous in your life, things that you are really happy with.

I'm feeling stressed (you might have realised if you read the previous blog entry), as I'm stuck at home with a suspected prolapsed disc, I'm literally laid up, cant go anywhere (not even a gentle walk to the post box because its too icy)/

But when I stop to think about what's great in my life right now:

1. I can look out at the beautiful scenery around me without being freezing or ending up bruised/

2. I've seen my husband lots more than I would normally (although this in itself has its own stressors!)

3. And finally I've been able to do lots of reading, I've really missed reading, I've just been so busy it was one of the pleasures that escaped me.

So you see, its easy to let things get to us - and sometimes feeling a bit stressed is a good thing, as it spurs us into action but its important to remember that there is always (no matter how small or insignificant it might seem) a positive.

As always, I'd be delighted to see your comments below, both what's getting you stressed and also what's great!!

I always try to answer each of your comments both here and on Twitter

As always you can follow me on Twitter @amiecrewscoach for all the latest bites

A rant? Maybe? A couple of thoughts...yes!

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:25:00 +0000

I'm not sure how you are feeling, but I'm really struggling to come to terms with the fact that its nearly the end of the year!
For me this year has flown past in a blur of rushing here, there and everywhere. Team developing to the max, coaching like there's no tomorrow and experiencing a stack of different hotels around the South East UK. (incidentally, any great value recommendations appreciated!)

Now, typically this is the time of year when everyone starts asking, "so, what do you want to achieve next year?"
Of course, I will ask this question to myself and you, but before all that - lets live in the present.

I've been forced to stop right now - a couple of months ago I posted about taking time to stop and think, well now its been enforced on me. I've done myself an injury to my back, in agony and really cant do much.
IT'S SOOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!

One of the silver linings here is that I can do little things when I find the energy, and my brain isn't dead so I guess that's a good thing. But in a way it just makes it worse, as I have all these ideas and no energy to carry through.

Now, this isn't meant to be a post that draws sympathy or any of that - but it really has reminded me how much we take for granted. Making a cup of tea for example - usual day to day activity - except, when I try to fill the kettle, its almost impossible..gggrrr
I want to do the washing -fine you say - I cant do the arm movements to get the washing from the basket to machine...ggrrr!!

I'd love to hear about all your achievements from this year, some of my friends have achieved fantastic things, becoming a parent for the first time, losing weight, achieving a level of fitness they are happy with, gaining more time to spend with their families and friends.

I would urge you to take some time out this next few weeks to consider what you've achieved and what you take for granted, and how it would feel if you could no longer do this.

In another breath - its worth starting to have a think about what you want to be different next year...I'll come back to that in a later blog entry!!

Poohsonality Test

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:24:00 +0000

I just had some fun with this...fancy a go?

http://winniethepooh.disney.co.uk/funtime/poohsonality_test/index.jsp

I came out as Pooh, what about you?

Time to think

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:14:00 +0000

We all lead such busy lives these days.
Whether its rushing home from work to pick the kids up, dashing off to the gym, squeezing in extra meetings or generally operating at full throttle - we are all guilty and some more than others.

I've noticed this more over the last few months and it was especially apparent when I was involved in facilitating a team away day a couple of weeks ago.
Typically, when people are asked to take time out of their day jobs to 'get away, we often get comments along the lines of "what? 2 days out of the office? When am I going to catch up on those emails/meetings/calls?", or "why waste time talking about stuff when we can just get on and do it?.

Have you thought this before? What was the last time you stopped?
Yes, that's it, just stopped?

When you actually just pause, even for a few minutes, it gives you time to gather your thoughts. Its funny, even though it can feel like time being wasted some of your most brilliant ideas can emerge.
During this most recent team away day, one of the participants commented that they weren't really keen on the 2 days catch up they knew they would have returning to their day job. At the end of the event, the same person commented how many new ways of working they had identified and could implement that would actually save them time!
It was their light bulb moment - just wish I'd had a camera!

This is no surprise. Having the space to think is what we all need.

Take 5 minutes today to yourself. If you manage that easily - take 10 minutes.
Once you are comfortable with taking time out, you can use those precious minutes to re-focus your efforts and energy on where it needs to be, rather than ploughing on regardless.
Depending how long you choose to stop for you can ask yourself many questions to help you take stock.
Try to consider the following:

What is happening in my life right now?
What is good?
What is less good....or out of kilter?
What needs to happen to help?
What am I going to do? 1 action
If you would prefer to work with someone, you can buddy with a friend or contact me to find out how coaching could help you

A breath of fresh air

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 09:29:00 +0000

Well, the temperature is starting to drop a little and I for one have had to put on a heavier, warmer coat in the mornings!
A few people have started to adjust their thermometers and the lure of cosy afternoons and evenings on the sofa are tempting us. I woke up this morning full of cold its been approaching for a while, but I thought I could stave it off. After lazing in bed for much of this morning (a well deserved treat), I came downstairs and threw open the doors to the garden..
I was dreading it - it looked a bit fresh and breezy. It was!! But - it was exactly what I needed - a nice burst of fresh, cool air, which helped to clear my head and cleanse my airways.

This got me thinking along a different line. We sometimes worry that we are sitting of the edge of a precipice about to take a step into something that scares us.
Sometimes the things we fear or dread the most, are the very same things that will re-energise us, change our mindset, or even change our lives...
Just some light thought for the weekend!

Relaxed and refreshed!

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:24:00 +0000

I just returned from holiday..
Ok, I know that might be a bit unfair to those of you who haven't' had a break for a while but the reason I say this is that I just learned how to really relax.

Its not that I don't normally relax, its just that I never completely switch off. I'm my own worst enemy in fact where this is concerned. I'm a busy person who loves being busy and I cram my life to keep me that way. I actually love it.

This time when I went away, I committed to myself that I would concentrate on totally winding down and returning feeling fresh and lively. I'm not saying it was easy to begin with, but I did start to enjoy it.

Here are some of my Top tips for switching off:

Get some me time – reading, listening to your music (I find using a personal MP3 player great for this as you can simply block out everything around you.
Let your mind wander – allow your thoughts to come and go as they please and this includes ‘day dreaming’, or making up scenarios in your head.
If you get a great idea make a note and then be curious about what can be
Stay in touch with people if it energises you. Much as I like to have time to myself, I get very bored (and a bit lonely) if I’m completely out of touch with people
Sleep! Many of us don’t allow ourselves to sleep in or snooze on days off, but it’s ok! In fact, it’s better than ok – it relaxes you and helps you to pick up your energy levels
Learn how to use breathing or exercise techniques to help you switch off.

I'm sure you know what works for you, it may or may not be listed here - whatever works for you, tell me about it below and keep doing it!

Egg Goes Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Egg Goes Healthy

Amie Crews: Motivational Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Amie Crews: Motivational Tips

Motivational Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:28:00 +0000

I've recently been checking out my sisters blog (Egg-goes-healthy.blogger.com)
I was impressed by her skills of self motivation, this got me thinking?

How do you stay motivated? Or what do you say to bring yourself up again after a dip?

Share your tips with me here or on twitter @amiecrewscoach

The joy of relaxing!

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:57:00 +0000

I've realised that its been nearly 6 weeks since I last blogged!
Although I've been doing other bits and pieces, including the newsletter. I have been truly astounded at how quickly time has been flying.
I really should have taken note of my own article on Work/Life balance before now!

Over the last several weeks, I have been back to back developing and delivering Team Development workshops for various teams within the company. Its really exciting stuff as it means I get to meet lots of new people, work with different sides of the business and put them through their paces with various tasks, activities and discussions.

This weekend, I've taken advantage of having the extra day off and spent the weekend relaxing. My husband would say that I don't do 'relaxing', very well, as I always like to be active and doing. So this is me relaxing - a little blogging and tweeting here and there, watching Mary Poppins on television and catching up with friends.

We all relax and recharge in different ways - how do you like to relax?

The Rescue Card

noreply@blogger.com (Amie Crews - Get results, enjoy the experience!) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:59:00 +0000

Today I received an email from a guy called Aaron Dragushan. I subscribe to his updates and every so often he sends out tips on how to boost your personal productivity. As this was something that I covered in a previous newsletter, I thought you might find it useful to see his thoughts.
I've added his message below, so take a moment to read it - let me know what you think and if you like it, I recommend you subscribe to his tips.

In terms of being more productive, I wanted to share something that would have made a big difference when I was first starting out with my business. I was often overwhelmed at everything there was to do, and sometimes I didn't end up doing anything at all.

The Problem: There's a LOT to do but you're having trouble getting started on any of it.

The Solution: A simple "rescue card" can get you back on-track.

How it works: When you're feeling tired, bored or distracted it's hard to think clearly. The card is there to give structure to your thinking when your mind is wandering, kind of like a smarter version of yourself that's guiding you back on track.

Making your Rescue Card: Grab a pen and a piece of paper or an index card, and go somewhere you can think. (If possible print this out and take it with you.) Now, simply write down a short step-by-step process to get back on track.
There's no right or wrong for what gets you back on-track... everyone's card will be different. For now just write down a few steps and don't worry about making it perfect. You can rewrite your card as you figure it out what works for you.

To give you some ideas, here are the steps on my own rescue card:
1. Close everything that's distracting you.
2. Stand up, and (starting with your left foot!) step away from the computer.
3. Using a timer, take a 5-minute break.
4. Choose a tiny todo item (~3 minutes)
5. Sprint! Do it with a sense of urgency.

That's it.

You can carry your card with you, or put it near your computer where you'll see it. When you get off-track, follow the directions.

PS: Have fun with this idea! If it's boring and serious, you won't remember to do it.

- Aaron Dragushan

UpgradeMe.org