Hi there,

 

Welcome to the May edition of the Blaze Unlimited E-Zine.  It's about 800 words and should take no longer than 5 minutes to read. On the long weekend just gone I was fortunate enough to get away from Brisbane for a few days and go camping at the beach with my wife and some friends. While there I made several observations.   

1. Technology really can be an enabler
2. A basic existence has its own benefits
3. Even busy people can take time out
4. Allowing time to indulge in your passions is very important
5. You get what you focus on!

 To keep the length of this e-zine down I’ll share my observations over several editions. 

Technology as an Enabler In the work life balance workshop that I run one of the topics we cover is the impact that technology is having on our lives.  For the most part the added stress created by being contactable 24 x 7 x 365 is something that many participants want to deal with in the workshop.  Over the weekend I had an experience where technology helped rather than hindered. In my rush to leave Brisbane on Thursday afternoon I neglected to provide an office key to a colleague of mine.  He needed access on the Saturday.  Using my mobile phone and the wireless internet connection in the local caravan park I was able to correct this horrible oversight and arrange to have a key made available to him.  It was either that or I was driving all the way back to Brisbane to give him a key!  Hooray for technology in this case. 

Benefits of a Basic ExistenceWhile camping you are living a more basic existence.  You adjust to the day / night cycles almost immediately.  You make do without microwaves, king size ensembles, air-conditioning, televisions, refrigerators and so on.  As a result you may spend more time taking care of basic functions but the spin off is that you are productively engaged, usually working in small groups and communicating more.  I’ve never felt so relaxed and it was useful to realise that I could do without many of the modern conveniences I had worked so hard to accumulate.  I now wonder what else I want for that I may not actually need…  what about you? 

How Busy People Chill OutI’m sure you all know them.  Perhaps you’re even one of them.  Those people who always seem to be too busy to take time out to relax, unwind and focus on the big issues.  You invite them places and they’re never able to make it.  I’ve noticed over the last few years that my social network is getting more fragmented.  Where large group gatherings and holidays were the norm it’s now a real challenge just catching up with just one couple.  Obviously people get busy, they have families, careers, relationships etc all of which demand a fair chunk of time and effort.  There are exceptions to the rule though.  One thing I’ve observed is that those people we stay in touch or catch up with regularly have one thing in common.  Not the amount of time they have or how few kids or how much money.  It’s more basic.  They make it a priority and they plan.  Yes they’re but they value the group holidays or social gatherings, so they plan for them… in advance.  Well in advance.  I’ve already got Easter 2008 booked with 5 couples confirmed for a lovely 8 day vacation on Stradbroke island.    Who else knows what they’re doing and with whom next Easter?  If it’s important to you, make it a priority and plan for it.  If time is the issue book ahead. 

In the next edition I’ll focus on how pursuing passions recharges your batteries and how you get what you focus on.  Until then, why don’t you take a few minutes to think about what’s important to you and how you can work towards having more of that in your life right now. 

Public Workshop Schedule

We are currently promoting several public workshops running this month and next, click here to view the schedule and download course outlines. 

Managers as Coaches                       

30^th & 31^st May 2008“How to lead and develop any team more effectively in a diverse and changing workforce leading to increased performance, better retention of staff and attraction of new talent.”  This 2 day course is running shortly don’t miss out, book now. 

Worklife Balance       

13^th Jun 2007“How to improve your balance and focus on the things that are important to you… before it’s too late.”   A highly interactive workshop where you develop your own action plan for making positive and lasting changes right now. 

Early bird booking discounts still available for this 1 day course.  Book now.  

Warm Regards