Thought Of The Week

SOME DAYS JUST GO OFF TRACK...

Today, I want to talk to you about how some days can just go off track without you doing anything to make them. 
You know the days I’m talking about, where you’ve planned everything, you know what needs doing, but then find that absolutely nothing goes the way it's meant to go. It’s really maddening, isn’t it? 
Sometimes, technology fails, or the weather changes, or your minute-by-minute schedule just collapses. That’s what happens when you plan as if nothing will ever go wrong. Remember,  everything is alright until it isn’t! 
But here's the thing I’ve noticed: fighting what is happening when thongs are going wrong, just makes everything worse, and the more you try to wrestle the day back onto your schedule, the more wound up you just get. In fact, more difficulties usually arise, and you then end up using all the energy you have left, battling what else happens, instead of dealing with the original problem.
Stop fighting and start adapting as, ironically, accepting that some days go off track actually then makes it easier for you. You’re not giving up; you’re just being realistic, as you then realise that you can just do what you can, write off what you can’t, and acknowledge that tomorrow is another day, where you can make a fresh start.
Here are some examples: 
- You wake up fresh one morning  with your whole  day planned ahead of you, but then find that a family member needs you urgently, so everything else just stops. That’s not your day falling apart; that’s just life and what happens.
- You've blocked out time in your day for focused work, but constant interruptions prevent you concentrating. By lunchtime, you’ve accomplished nothing you planned.  Or you have meetings at work scheduled all day, but wake up feeling awful. You try pushing through, which just makes you feel worse. Sometimes, the only track you need is the one straight back to bed!​- Your car, bus or train breaks down when you're already running late. You’re absolutely furious. But being angry at the machinery, or the people who run the services, doesn't help, does it?
However, if your days are always going off track, look at your planning. Sometimes, it’s not life interfering with your plans, it’s that your plans don’t make room for life!
So, today, remember when your day doesn’t unfold the way you wanted it to, you haven’t messed up. This is just what days do sometimes and some days will just go off track!

BEING SELFISH IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY…

Today, I want to talk to you about why it is so important to prioritise yourself sometimes and why being selfish is sometimes necessary. 
The word "selfish" is a bit of a dirty word, isn't it? We all know how it sounds. It's considered quite a negative trait to have.  But please hear me out today, because there are times when you’ve actually deliberately got to seem selfish and put yourself first. 
For example, when you’re not well, you need to properly rest and recover your strength to get better. That’s not negotiable, is it?  It may look selfish to some people if you do this, as they may think you’re only considering yourself. But you know what? Although they may be correct, that’s precisely what you need to do. You're just playing the long game. 
Focusing on yourself may feel a bit wrong in the short term but, especially in situations like this, it's only when you’ve recovered, that you are able to then help look after others properly. You can't help anyone if you're running on empty. 
Here are some other examples: 
- You feel exhausted, but you don’t want to let down a friend you said you would meet, so you cancel. Of course, they’re disappointed, maybe even hurt. But you realise that if you drag yourself out to meet them, you'd be useless company anyway and it would be better to see them when you can actually be present and good company.
- Your family expects you for a regular lunch or dinner, but you desperately need quiet time alone that day, so you don’t go. Yes, they'll talk about you not being there and your lack of effort, but it's so important that you do not go, because you’ll then be a better parent, partner, or child the next time, as you will then have recharged today.  
- You take a proper lunch break, instead of eating lunch at your desk so as to do something to help a colleague. That may seem quite selfish in the moment, but by doing this, you'll work much better all afternoon, without resenting them.
Of course, some people take this idea too far though, don’t they? They always seem to be putting themselves first and never thinking about others. But that’s not what I’m talking about here, as there’s a real difference between necessary self-preservation and just being self-centred. 
So, today, try to recognise when putting yourself first isn’t selfish and is actively sensible. Sometimes, you just have to exclude others to recover, recharge, or rebuild. It can be uncomfortable I know, but being selfish is sometimes necessary!

BE KNOWN FOR ONLY DOING ONE THING…

Today, I want to talk to you about why you should always try to focus your efforts and be known for only doing one thing wherever you can. 
We often hear people say that you should not spread yourself too thin, but instead only focus on doing one thing well, rather than just doing more things generally. 
Unfortunately, I have noticed that when you try to do too many things, you dilute your energy and expertise. Over the years, I've also learned that mastery comes from depth, not breadth. By focusing on just one, or two things at most, you build yourself a reputation that people remember and trust. 
Think about it: would you rather be mediocre at doing 10 things, or be known for being exceptional at one or two?Remember that your time and mental capacity are finite resources. When you concentrate your efforts, you then don’t just improve incrementally; you compound your skills exponentially over time. 
The world also rewards specialists who can go deep. When people think of a specific problem, you want to be the first name that comes to their mind. That only happens when you're known for doing something specific, not doing everything. 
Here are some examples from the present or recent past:
- Steve Jobs famously returned to take over the helm of Apple, which was in a bad way in the late 1990s. He immediately cut Apple's product line from dozens to just four core products. It was this laser focus that saved the company and later led to revolutionary innovations like the iPhone and iPod. 
- It is well known that J.K. Rowling concentrated solely on writing about Harry Potter for many years, perfecting that one story well. Her dedication to that single vision eventually created a global phenomenon worth billions, rather than her writing multiple forgettable books. ​- It is said that James Dyson spent more than 15 years creating over 5,127 prototypes, focusing on producing the Dyson vacuum cleaner. He also concentrated on just one thing: better suction technology. It was his obsession with this one problem that ultimately made Dyson a household name and led to further innovative products.
However, focusing on only one thing can also be risky. Things change and evolve, and any niche you have might become obsolete. This is where diversification provides security; if one area fails, you then have others to fall back on. However, some people also argue that multiple skills create unique combinations that set you apart and various interests lets you stay adaptable and innovative.
So, today, try to identify your one, (or at most two), core strengths and commit to them fully. In this way, you will cut away distractions that dilute your impact, building depth, instead of breadth, allowing your expertise to speak for itself. Remember, you should only be doing one thing!

YOU THINK CLEARLY AFTER A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP…   

Today, I want to talk to you about how I find that you tend to think more clearly after a good night's sleep. This means that you should always try to get a good sleep or even a quick nap sometimes, so that you can wake up fresh and see things properly. 
Sleep is transformative, isn't it? When you rest well, they say that your brain then processes information better and you make sharper decisions, or solve problems faster than when you are more tired. 
Quality sleep isn't a luxury, it's essential, as thoughts also become much clearer, your mood improves and any stress that you're suffering also feels more manageable. 
A rested mind normally handles challenges with ease and I'm afraid that this simple truth really changes everything, because you then quickly realise that you simply have to prioritise sleep, just like you would prioritise any meeting that is important to you. You always need to make sure that you then get to bed earlier and get up after having spent sufficient time asleep - your clarity really depends on it.
Here are some examples.
- After a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, you quickly notice solutions to the problems you had yesterday,  suddenly becoming obvious to you. You  also find that your creativity flows more naturally and any decisions that you now reach seem more confident. 
- A tired parent finds that they are more irritable and short-tempered, or struggle with patience and problem solving. However, after a good night's sleep they find that they can handle their child's challenges more calmly.​- An athlete who prioritises their sleep will usually find that they perform better the next day, not only because they feel more rested and stronger physically, but they find that their mental ability also sharpens as well. 
However, some people argue that pushing through exhaustion also builds character and resilience in people. They can also claim that the need for more sleep is often a sign of weakness and that determination matters more than rest. However, sleep studies consistently show scientifically that sleep deprivation impairs our judgment, creativity and physical performance and this perspective is usually counterproductive. 
So, today, remember that you need to prioritise your sleep and realise that you feel better and think more clearly after a good night's sleep. In a way, sleep is your secret weapon!

TRIALS WE GO THROUGH, STRENGTHEN US...

This week, I want to talk to you about how the trials we go through in life usually strengthen us. I'm afraid this is hard to remember when you are going through difficult times.
Life frequently throws challenges our way, doesn't it? However, it's through these difficulties that we develop resilience. It's never easy. You have to remember, though, that every hurdle you face or overcome teaches you vital life lessons.
When faced with adversity, try to remember that these are the moments that provide opportunities for our growth, as they help us develop perseverance and wisdom. Each trial we go through is therefore just a stepping stone in our life's journey and not the end of the story. These experiences shape who we become and how we face future obstacles.
Through the challenges we endure in life, we build character and fortitude. Embracing these trials as growth opportunities empowers us to become stronger and wiser individuals. They also help shape our resilience and determination.
Here are some examples:
- Going through financial challenges often leads us to better money management skills, which foster a more secure and stable future for us, or overcoming something like a job loss teaches us resourcefulness and new skills.
- When we battle health issues, it builds our physical and mental resilience and enhances our appreciation for life's simple joys.
- Even something simple, like struggling to learn something as an informal hobby or a more formal academic subject, helps you develop better study habits and time management skills, which will be invaluable to you later in life, in both personal and professional successes.
However, it's important to acknowledge that not all the challenges we face lead to positive outcomes. Some trials we go through can be overwhelming. It's crucial for us to realise when we need to seek help and know that we can't do things alone.
So, this week, please try to view any life trials you go through as opportunities for growth. As difficult as it may seem sometimes, embrace challenges as best you can. Remember that the trials we face in life will ultimately strengthen us!

THE ONLY ONE THAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK IS YOU...

THE ONLY ONE THAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK IS YOU...
Today, I want to talk to you about why the only one that’s holding you back often is only you. 
We spend years blaming circumstances for our stagnation, don’t we? We craft stories in our heads about why we can't move forward, believing them so completely that they often become true and are self-fulfilling prophecies. That voice in your head that says "not yet" or "maybe later" - that’s not wisdom, that’s just fear wearing a disguise. 
You must recognise patterns like this. Here's what I've noticed; we're brilliant at protecting ourselves unconsciously from disappointment, by never starting anything at all. We rehearse conversations we'll never have, plan projects we never begin and dream dreams that will never become real. This is not because we lack the ability, but because, unconsciously, things always feel safer to stay where we are, than risking failure trying something new. The gap between who you are and who you want to be isn't filled with obstacles; it’s only filled with decisions you haven't made yet.  Every day, you choose comfort over courage, but you're just voting for a life you've already got. 
Here are some  examples: 
- You constantly talk about leaving an unfulfilling job to retrain for something else you feel more passionate about; but you’re not quite ready for, for four years now! The courses are available, the funding is there, but you’re terrified of becoming a beginner again at something. In the meantime, time has passed you by and you could have already obtained that qualification you were after. - You say you can't afford to pursue another passion, but the funny thing is, you've already spent about £3,000 or so on takeaways and coffee this year, without noticing! It’s not really about the money; it’s about what you're willing to sacrifice for what. - You sometimes hear people say that they're too anxious to try therapy to try to resolve a problem that causes them anxiety. But this is a bit like saying you're too ill to see a doctor. The thing they're avoiding is precisely the thing that could help them. They can only help themselves first as well by admitting to themselves that they need help. 
That said, there are sometimes barriers that can be quite substantial. For example, chronic illness, caring for dependents, financial difficulties, etc. These aren’t excuses; they’re realities that may genuinely constrain choices. Pretending everyone has equal capacity to do whatever they want ignores the world as it actually exists, not as we'd like it to be. 
So, today, please distinguish between barriers that are real and the ones you've built up in your own mind. Ask yourself what you're protecting by staying exactly where you are. Take one small action towards that thing that you've been avoiding and remember, at the end of the day, the only one that's holding you back is you!

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE NEW AND SHINY…

Today, I want to talk to you about why you shouldn't be taken in and fooled by the new and shiny things that you come across in life.  Whenever something new comes along, it's really exciting, isn't it? And you convince yourself that you just have to have it, as it will make your life so much better. 
It's funny how we always convince ourselves that this is the thing that will finally sort everything out for us. But here's what I've learned over the years. We usually ditch things that actually work and have stood the test of time, just because something new appears. 
This leaves us constantly chasing new things and never satisfied with what we have. In fact, we are often unhappier, not happier, because we later find that the thing we bought isn’t much better than what we had. We have additional unhappiness knowing we have now wasted hard-earned money on something we didn't need. 
The real issue here isn't that new things exist, it's that we assume that new equals better, without question. Also, when we keep jumping to the next new thing, we waste time and energy restarting, relearning, readjusting etc. We also lose track of what matters; does it work, not is it new.
Here are some examples:
- You see people wanting the latest phones or gadgets. But their current phone or gadget works just fine. People spend a fortune on upgrades they don't need and, two weeks later, they can't usually even remember what's different about the new thing they bought!
- Someone buys every kitchen gadget that they see, uses it once, then puts it on a shelf, or it sits in a cupboard forevermore. Yet their mum's been cooking amazing meals for decades with just a decent pan, or another basic kitchen utensil. Says it all really. 
- There's always someone trying every new fitness trend; one month it's this, the next month it's that; they never seem to stick with anything long enough to see results, but meanwhile, their friend, who runs or cycles just three times a week, always looks brilliant and is much healthier. ​- People often ignore brilliant books, just because they're old, chasing whatever's trending instead. Yet it is those old books that are still around, because they're actually good. The trendy ones? Forgotten in six months. 
That said, I’m not suggesting we reject everything new outright, just because it is new. Some innovations genuinely make life better. For example, medical breakthroughs, safety improvements, or tools to solve real problems. The trick, though, is working out if something's actually better or not, or if it just appeals to our magpie instincts. 
So, today, please appreciate what's already working, before you start rushing off to buy the next new thing. And remember that you shouldn't let yourself be fooled by the new and shiny!

IF YOU THINK IT’S IMPOSSIBLE, YOU WON’T DO IT…

Today, I want to talk to you about why, if you think it’s impossible, you won’t do it. 
Your brain can’t always tell the difference between real limitations and ones you’ve just accepted as true. Once you label something impossible, your mind stops searching for solutions, filters out contradictory evidence, and redirects energy elsewhere.
I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly in my own life and others’. Someone decides they can’t do something, then unconsciously undermines their own efforts. They notice every obstacle, dismiss every success as luck, and interpret setbacks as confirmation they were right all along.
What separates people who break through barriers from those who don’t isn’t superior talent or endless resources—it’s whether belief unlocks what they have or leaves it sitting unused. Belief doesn’t ensure success, but without it, you’ll never discover what was possible.
Here are some examples:
- The four-minute mile barrier – Before Roger Bannister broke it in 1954, experts believed it was physiologically impossible. Within three years, 16 other runners broke it. The barrier was always psychological, not physical.
- Someone who retrained at 43 – They convinced themselves that they were too old to switch careers into web development. Once they stopped accepting that story and enrolled in evening classes, they had a new job within two years.
- Learning languages as an adult – Many adults believe fluency is only possible in childhood. Yet many immigrants in their fifties and sixties become functionally fluent within years through necessity and consistent practice, proving age isn’t the barrier.
Recognising genuine limitations prevents wasted effort and damaged self-esteem. Attempting truly impossible things causes repeated failure. But most people dramatically underestimate rather than overestimate themselves. We’re far more likely to quit too early than persist too long.
So, today, try this: pick one thing you’ve labelled impossible and run a small experiment—one week, one course, one conversation—to discover what’s actually true, and remember that if you think it’s impossible, you won’t do it!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

ALWAYS LET YOUR PERSONALITY SHINE THROUGH…

This week, I want to talk to you about why it's essential to embrace your unique self and explain how, by doing this, you enhance your authenticity with others and can foster more genuine connections and then always let your personality shine through in whatever you do.
Have you ever found yourself trying to be more serious than light-hearted with people? This may probably be because you consciously or unconsciously fear that people will think you need to be serious to be taken seriously. However, it is actually the opposite; people relate to you more and take you seriously when they see that you are human!
Try to express your true self in conversations or other types of expression? You will  usually find that people are more likely to respond positively to you. In fact, your unique perspective can often inspire and engage others in more meaningful ways. It is about building genuine trust and creating memorable interactions with others.
Being authentic also helps cultivate self-confidence and allows you to navigate both personal and professional relationships with far more ease. Doing this will also often set you apart from the crowd and lead you to opportunities that align better with who you truly are.
Here are some examples:
- You will find that in friendships or relationships with family, genuine laughter and vulnerability deepen bonds with others more, making those relationships more fulfilling and resilient.- When you pursue work, tasks, or hobbies, more aligned with your interests and talents in life, rather than simply doing something that you think will help you fit in with others, it can lead you to have more fulfilling experiences and personal growth in life.- In interviews, or other formal environments, sharing personal stories that have happened to you, rather than giving rehearsed scripts or response, often leave a more lasting impression. These are the things that potential employers remember.
However, some people may argue that letting too much of your personality shine through sometimes can make you more vulnerable to criticism or misunderstandings. Therefore, it is crucial to try to always find a balance between authenticity and adaptability, depending on different social contexts.​So, this week, remember to always try to be your true self. As I've said, it enhances connections with others. Genuineness attracts a more loyal and empathetic audience for whatever you say or do.  Embrace your uniqueness and always let your personality shine through in whatever you do!

DON'T MAKE SILLY MISTAKES…

This week, I want to talk to you about why it’s so important to avoid making silly mistakes, whenever and whenever you can. Avoiding doing something like this will not only save you time in the long run, but will also help you avoid losing credibility and having misunderstandings with people.
We are all guilty of it, we all make silly mistakes all the time! But silly mistakes usually only happen when we are rushing through tasks, or are distracted. It’s therefore essential to remain focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions by things that could compromise your accuracy.
A small error often also requires additional effort to correct later on, which causes you overall delays. By being thorough from the start, you will keep things running more smoothly and efficiently and avoid the potential for unnecessary complications.
By paying attention and double-checking what we are doing, we often avoid mistakes from happening in the first place. Another good example is trying to take a moment to review your work as you go along. Doing something simple like this can significantly reduce errors. 
Here are some examples: 
- Always proofreading an email you are about to send before sending it, which will hopefully prevent later difficulties or communication breakdowns. 
- Always verifying appointments and checking them ahead of time, which can prevent you from having scheduling conflicts.
- Always double-checking your calculations to make sure they are accurate, especially when reporting about something financially. 
However, some people say that making minor mistakes is actually part of our learning process and is good for us in the long run. But, whilst this is true, constantly repeating the same errors (or similar  types of errors) without correction, can actually hinder growth and success in the end.
So, this week, try to minimise your errors wherever possible by always reviewing whatever you do, staying focused and not allowing yourself to get distracted. Doing this, in practice, will enhance your efficiency and help you to ultimately avoid making silly mistakes!