Energise your working life

Do you find yourself drained by some people and places and energised by others? Do you find inspiration in some environments and blockage in other places? If so, don’t despair there’s action you can take and it starts right here.

We are all so busy in our lives that efficiency and effectiveness can make a lot of difference but sometimes other elements need shaking up too. Take that messy desk for instance and the lack of systems which means you spend ages looking for things. Take a step back and consider your situation and apply the following points to it.

Your energy levels are a big draw. Do you find yourself attracted to those people who are upbeat, buzzy and seem to have the ability to be on top of things? Well they may not have it all going like that all the time (perhaps underneath they’re peddling away) but it is attractive and can be inspiring. Are you like that? Is your energy something people comment on? Consider what it is that you do to help you function like that. People as described above tend to draw others to them as well as opportunities and good experiences. Someone low in energy are likely to have the opposite effect.

If you never take time for you, if you are always there for others and do not service your own needs you’re likely to burn out and feel resentful. So take some action now, it can be as little as ensuring that you have a lunch break when you switch off for 30 minutes and don’t read work related material, it can be going for a walk during the day, regularly having a massage or facial and perhaps once a month scheduling a day or half day off. Through networking finding a good beautician or massage therapist couldn’t be easier and how lovely to find our support through fellow business people. Find a buddy to walk with , run with, meet with you regularly for an ‘offload session’, all is beneficial.

What about your work environment? I love to de-clutter as it doesn’t just make physical space it also makes space in your head too and there is a limit to how much stuff we can have or store. We need space for new clients, new books, new initiatives etc. Get into the habit of clutter clearing regularly. Now you may be an all or nothing person like me or prefer to do it bit by bit. It doesn’t matter. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start so don’t shy away from getting someone in to help you. I’ve helped some of my clients sort their office space and there are other professionals that do just this and will do as much or as little as you want. Don’t forget your computer files too, it all helps to make space and here’s a tip if you want more clients - clear some space in your files or drawers and make new files so they are there and waiting for those new clients to step into your life.

Perhaps your environment affects your creativity. Cluttering will help but what about the colour of your work space, where it is or whether you like it. Make some changes, add a cushion, a plant, some flowers, have it repainted, move the furniture around. There so much you can do. According to Feng Shui the ideal place for your computer and desk is in a position that allows you to see the door of your office. If this isn't possible, you can restore good Feng Shui by arranging a mirror that gives you a clear view of the door.  Is your equipment helping the comfort factor?  Does your chair support you?Do you have a comfortable keyboard and arm position and a mouse that fits your hand? What about something to stop the glare from your screen? Get advice from professionals who can advise and guide you here. Anything that causes you discomfort will drain your energy.

Sometimes it’s a question of changing your environment and doing some work in another place such as a local coffee shop or your gym. When working on certain things I find I get more done in Costa where I can turn off the phone and lose myself in my papers and a latte or I’ll take my laptop to David Lloyd and work there the whole day with a break for a workout in the gym or the pool.

How are your systems? Do you have a system for everything? It may seem a large task but do it now and build it up. In my experience when we start our businesses we are passionate and enthusiastic and we want to get out there and help people. Often we don’t set up many systems at all and then wonder why things are not going in the direction we want or as quickly as we want. It’s much easier to build this in at the start but if you haven’t it’s not too late. I believe that systems, organisation and efficiency ensures firm foundations that we build successful business on and that is what we all want, a successful business.  didn’t set all the systems in place at the beginning so I know what I’m talking about here and my systems are still developing which is why  know I can be of help to others. Let me give you an example, the other day someone else in the office was sending out a book but it was clear with the questions that they were asking that there were mistakes being made so I helped out and then sat down and wrote down a 5 point system that we can now follow. You see systems don’t need to be complex

Finally make sure you clean the windows and dust and hoover and respect the work space. Think what the office of a successful business person looks like that, what can you do so your office reflects that status?

And what about broken things? Things that don’t work represents a block to the flow of energy and stop you being your best. Invest in your environment and it, in turn will support you and ensure an energised worklife.

Did you know that talc removes olive oil or that Nelson's Column is made of Dartmoor granite?

These are the kinds of things you find out on Athena Angels walks. It's all part of that bonding and belonging and I have learnt never to be surprised at the information you pick up or the skills that you find others have.

Yesterday was another great walk, taken in sunshine with a lovely breeze to keep us cool and with three members joining us who hadn't walked with us before. Lisa, Ivana and Ashish had their first walk with the Athena Angels team and all did really well especially Lisa whose attempts at joining us previously had been thwarted. They even managed to cope with a couple of steep hills, Palmerstone Road in Buckhurst Hill and one in the forest introduced to me by my dear friend Cajsa. You'll be pleased to know Cajsa that I walk it now with much more ease than on the day I did it with you.

We started at S Woodford and walked along the River Roding all the way to Buckhurst Hill. It's so lovely to have this path which for quite a bit at the beginning of the section we walked runs parallel to the road but yet makes you feel that you are removed from all that pollution and noise.

Yesterday there were swans on the river and underfoot it was really dry. I've walked here in the winter when my boots are caked with mud so this was a pleasant change.

Paths were also really narrow in places so overgrown with all the spring growth and looking really luscious and plenty of wonderful scents in the air.

In Buckhurst Hill we stopped for coffee and Ivana was on hand to provide Bowen treatment for anyone in need. In the photo below, she's working on Lisa's feet bringing some much needed relief for a short period of time at least.

Refreshed and having discussed stop off points for those doing the 10 mile walk, we headed upwards before heading on through the forest towards Loughton. Taking a pace that suits you and stopping when you need to is really important as trying too hard especially if comparing yourselves with others can be detrimental. It's something we should take note of regarding business as well. On our journey, we are what matters and how we do it. Although others may look as if they are moving ahead with ease, often we d not know the whole story.

In the forest, I was encouraging those who needed it to stop on the hill. As we were discussing later, it's amazing how quickly pace, fitness and distance picks up so with that knowledge trust and know you'll improve. That's what I'm telling myself as I prepare to tackle a first day of 19.4 miles on the Camino next week. I trust I can do it.

Great photo of the team minus Lisa who took this at the top, all looking happy and relaxed.

From here we bypassed Loughton along more wonderful woodland paths. How lucky are we to have all this great forest on our doorstep and then came down into the town itself and onto the station where at least 6 and probably 7 miles in I suggested that Lisa and Ashish should stop having achieved more than planned.  Armed with stretch info and my well tried and tested tip of lying for at least 30 mins with your legs up against the wall the rest of us set off to walk to Buckhurst Hill through the park.

Apart from the gruesome tales that resulted from the lake been cordoned off, we continued to chat and enjoy the walk and the company. We are forming a strong group now and I'm really proud of everyone and all the have achieved so far.