Opportunities don't come past your desk everyday. Sometimes you have to work so hard to find an opportunity that when one lands on your lap, you don't really know what to do with it or you forget what it actually looks like.
There are so many things we all can relate "Make hay while the sun shines" to. Here are some that I think you should consider;
If someone offers you a chance to hang out on their farm for the weekend - do it!
It may not be a farm, but you know what I mean. It is amazing what the 'take home value' of putting yourself in unfamiliar places will achieve. It may be going for a long walk, and all of a sudden you see a log in the way, and you think about what logs are laying in your way in business, that are stopping you from getting to where you are going. Do you jump over the log, drag it out of the way, turn around and walk back? What do you do?
Children have the most amazing insight
I love children. I cannot get enough of them. They are pure sunshine. Their insights into life and people are incredible. I really wish I could still be as innocent as some of the beautiful children that are in my life. Yesterday, a friend of mine's little 5 year old girl rung me on her nannies phone to tell thank me for giving her Easter Eggs. She talked for at least 5 minutes without drawing breathe about how much she loved the eggs, and how her sibblings always wanted a smurf and now they have one, and how her younger brother loved the little skateboard toy in his Easter Egg. She was animated, excited, thankful and full of life. When I got off the phone, I thought to myself, "why can't adults do this?" My girlfriend Tess is always giving me flowers when I have had a bad day or a book or something equally as special and I am so thankful for it. But as adults, we tend to say thankyou, but we don't say to the person who we are thanking what something means to them. Tess, gave me flowers when I recently ended a relationship. I was down in the dumps and those flowers on my desk kept reminding me that there are people out there that are incredibly thoughtful and who mean the world to me and I mean something to them. They know how to show emotion and that they care. What I would have liked to say to her but didn't is that by her giving me those flowers, it gave me hope. It reminded me that there are people in the world and in particular in my life that take time out to think of others and not just themselves. That I am a good friend to her as she is to me. That something beautiful on your desk can bring a smile to your face even when you really don't feel like smiling. That this gesture changed my outlook for that day and put me in a positive thought process, even if it only lasted a few hours. This is what I meant to say, but instead, I said 'thank you'. The next time you go to say 'thank you' think of this story and see if you can really explain what that means.
A new deal is signed
One of my Sydney staff members rung me yesterday to say that she is signing up a client for a new website design and development. She also spoke to them about search engine optimisation and how they were intending on promoting the website once it has been launched. I was silently thrilled.Great work team! And that is exactly what I said. However, what I got out of that situation is that the business is working really well, without me. The entire team is growing at an exponential rate and are kicking goals day-in, day-out. They have all lifted to a new level and are ready to take ownership of the business moving forward. I learnt from this situation to have confidence in the team, that they will keep the business growing, as long as I support and celebrate their successes.
There are so many people worse off than you - so stop complaining
My cousin is the most wonderful person. I had dinner with him last night and as per usual, I was reminded that we should do this more often. He is the kindest, most gentle, smart and charitable person I know. He works with the community and in particular children from underprivileged environments and helps them understand that there are options in life that may look different to where they are currently heading. The way his mind works is incredible. He has written a paper on this topic and will be a speaker at a conference in Europe later this year discussing his findings with other people like him from around the world. He wants to make the world a better place for all. He provides education to other community workers on how they can better understand the people they deal with. He is a thought-leader who believes in change and wants to do more to help others less fortunate. Many entrepreneurs give to charities, but what else can you do? Can you give your time and your skills to a charity that needs it? Are you capable of using your abilities and connections to make a difference to the world we live in?
Being fit physically and mentally will keep you in good stead
Once again, my cousin reminded me that if you are fit physically and mentally, you really can do anything. To take time out for a jog each day, or to put a goal in front of you like running the New York Marathon or competing in a triathlon, will test your strength, determination and ability to reach, meet and exceed your expectations when it comes to goal setting. Being physically fit also helps your mental fitness and it contributes to your ability to get things done. Never underestimate the benefit of taking an hour out of your day to go for a walk, run, swim, gym or take a yoga class. Watch the difference in your work performance. You will be surprised.
Mellissah Smith is a marketing expert, author, writer, public speaker and technology innovator. Having worked with more than 1000 companies across technology, medical services, professional services, manufacturing, logistics, finance and health industries, Mellissah has a well-established reputation as an experienced marketing professional with more than 30 years experience. As the founder and managing director of Marketing Eye, she has taken the company from startup to a multi-million dollar enterprise with offices in Australia and the US. She is the founder of AI software company, Robotic Marketer, which automates the development and management of marketing strategies. Mellissah is also the Editor in Chief of Marketing Eye Magazine, a quarterly magazine that cover marketing, entrepreneurship, travel, health and wellbeing. She is also the co-editor of Contact Centre Magazine, Minimalistic Magazine (building products and architectural design), and Human Magazine (wellness). #mellissahsmith #marketingeye #roboticmarketer
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comments ( 19 )
shopping blog
14 Apr 2017
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established
blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
I'm thinking about creating my own but I'm not sure where to start.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i got here to return the desire?.I'm attempting to in finding things to improve my website!I guess its good enough to use some
of your ideas!!
I got this web site from my friend who told me regarding this web page and now this time I am
browsing this web page and reading very informative posts at this time.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or
vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an
email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Great blog by the way!
I think that is the very best benefit because I hate traffic and losing time inside
a line waiting for my number to be called super real the cash advance
company purchases a percentage of such bank card transactions in the business in
a discount.
I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors & theme.
Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply
back as I'm looking to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thanks!
Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I'm planning to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost
on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for
a paid option? There are so many options out there that I'm completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Appreciate it!
I like the part about children having amazing insight. They get taught the basics and what is good and bad. Sometimes we get so caught up in the adult life that we tend to ignore the basics and it's good to have kids reminding us of things we have long forgotten.
Interesting that you have pointed out how we need to associate stories with our thanks. Sometimes we need to explain why we are grateful. Other times we just need to say thank you. It's amazing what kind of a response you will get once you offer someone your sincere thanks. I think the word or expression thank you doesn't get used enough!
Today whilst commuting to work, St Kilda road was undergoing tram track reconstructions. There were bus replacements available to cover the tracks that were being reconstructed. So people got off the tram, jumped onto the connecting bus and crammed on. I happened to be the first person on the bus, and remembered my bus etiquette. Smile and acknowledge the bus driver. The bus driver was actually waiting for me acknowledge him too, so I was glad I remembered to smile. After I sat down I observed the other patrons hop on the bus and hardly any one of those patrons acknowledge the bus driver. It's strange how people who only travel on one type of public transport for most of their life, fail to acknowledge other transportation etiquette. Or is it that we really are forgetting to be thankful. I actually am not too sure what the answer is. Though, it would be nice for people to be more thankful and courteous in general.
Which ties into my next point as you mention, there are many more people worse off than you. Is it really that hard to crack a smile? When I travelled to Thailand recently, it's amazing how many people offered a smile just because they can. Everywhere I went, if I offered a smile, 8/10 times the Thai person would smile back. Some of my friends disagree with me and say that the Thais were only smiling at me because they could reap more money out of me, but that's not necessarily true. I met many people, who smiled at me as I passed by. There was no vested interest. It was just courtesy. Thailand is a developing country and thus, its occupants are far worse off than those living in a developed country like Australia. Those living in Thailand have to drink bottled filtered water instead of fresh clean tap water to avoid catching nasty diseases like Hepatitis A, they have to struggle at least 4 times harder to earn one of our Australian dollars. They are living in worse conditions. But they can still smile and show genuine happiness. We have so much to feel grateful about, we should smile more often.
Travelling to foreign places really does help you gain perspective on your life. It gives you clarity and reminds you to metaphorically remove the clutter from your mind and create a clearer pathway for living in.
It is so easy to get caught up on focusing too heavily on your own long term goals and the bigger picture and not seeing the smaller joys in life. There is also the trap of turning down opportunities seeing them as a distraction from reaching your goals rather than a chance to broaden your horizons and surprise yourself when having a new satisfying experience. In a sense it is the mentality to allow time to pause and smell the roses and always make time to express your thanks.
It is so easy to get caught up on focusing too heavily on your own long term goals and the bigger picture and not seeing the smaller joys in life. There is also the trap of turning down opportunities seeing them as a distraction from reaching your goals rather than a chance to broaden your horizons and surprise yourself when having a new satisfying experience. In a sense it is the mentality to allow time to pause and smell the roses and always make time to express your thanks.
Taking a step back can help you to see the world in a different light, whilst also providing insights into our priorities.
I LOVE the countryside! Growing up riding horses for ten years, I always think of the country and the fond memories I have associated with those times. It was great to spend the weekend up there, breathing in the fresh air, not worrying about what you look like and just purely enjoying life!
I think it's important to always take a step back and realise how lucky we are and how many opportunities we have access to compared to other people.
The idea of keeping your eye out for opportunities that come your way really resonates with me. It's such a good idea to say yes to new experiences as often as you can, because you never know what they may teach you, or when they may reveal an opportunity.
This is the first time I've heard of "make hay while the sun shines". Definitely some great points to think about.
Children are amazing, I always look forward to seeing my boyfriend's niece and nephew when they come to visit his family. They are so energetic and I love their outlook on life.
When we are adult, it is more difficult to prove our gratitude. As you said, we tend to say "Thank you" without explain why we are so happy to receive a gift.
You are wondering "why can't adults do this?",I don't know but I think that it is easier for us to write contrary to children. If your friend read this article, she will understand how much her flowers gave you hope, and how much you are grateful. It is the same for your team !
Nice article!
It very important to consider all the opportunities we have whatever the degree of importance they have.
All our life is an opportunity but after we are free to choose if we are gonna make it Good or Bad!
Congratulations on the new deal!!
Kids really are a blessing, full of energy, innocence and truth. It's so refreshing to just watch and listen to them.
Leave a comment
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comments ( 19 )
shopping blog
14 Apr 2017Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established
Replyblog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
I'm thinking about creating my own but I'm not sure where to start.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
home blog
02 Feb 2017Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i got here to return the desire?.I'm attempting to in finding things to improve my website!I guess its good enough to use some
Replyof your ideas!!
seo
09 Apr 2015I got this web site from my friend who told me regarding this web page and now this time I am
Replybrowsing this web page and reading very informative posts at this time.
hop over to here
25 Apr 2014I am not rattling wonderful with English but I get hold this rattling leisurely to read.
ReplyShana
05 Apr 2014Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask.
ReplyWould you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or
vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an
email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Great blog by the way!
super real
24 Jul 2013I think that is the very best benefit because I hate traffic and losing time inside
Replya line waiting for my number to be called super real the cash advance
company purchases a percentage of such bank card transactions in the business in
a discount.
www
17 Jul 2013I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors & theme.
ReplyDid you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply
back as I'm looking to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thanks!
steel targets plans
12 May 2013Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
ReplyI'm planning to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost
on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for
a paid option? There are so many options out there that I'm completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Appreciate it!
David
22 May 2012I like the part about children having amazing insight. They get taught the basics and what is good and bad. Sometimes we get so caught up in the adult life that we tend to ignore the basics and it's good to have kids reminding us of things we have long forgotten.
ReplyRen
11 Apr 2012Interesting that you have pointed out how we need to associate stories with our thanks. Sometimes we need to explain why we are grateful. Other times we just need to say thank you. It's amazing what kind of a response you will get once you offer someone your sincere thanks. I think the word or expression thank you doesn't get used enough!
ReplyToday whilst commuting to work, St Kilda road was undergoing tram track reconstructions. There were bus replacements available to cover the tracks that were being reconstructed. So people got off the tram, jumped onto the connecting bus and crammed on. I happened to be the first person on the bus, and remembered my bus etiquette. Smile and acknowledge the bus driver. The bus driver was actually waiting for me acknowledge him too, so I was glad I remembered to smile. After I sat down I observed the other patrons hop on the bus and hardly any one of those patrons acknowledge the bus driver. It's strange how people who only travel on one type of public transport for most of their life, fail to acknowledge other transportation etiquette. Or is it that we really are forgetting to be thankful. I actually am not too sure what the answer is. Though, it would be nice for people to be more thankful and courteous in general.
Which ties into my next point as you mention, there are many more people worse off than you. Is it really that hard to crack a smile? When I travelled to Thailand recently, it's amazing how many people offered a smile just because they can. Everywhere I went, if I offered a smile, 8/10 times the Thai person would smile back. Some of my friends disagree with me and say that the Thais were only smiling at me because they could reap more money out of me, but that's not necessarily true. I met many people, who smiled at me as I passed by. There was no vested interest. It was just courtesy. Thailand is a developing country and thus, its occupants are far worse off than those living in a developed country like Australia. Those living in Thailand have to drink bottled filtered water instead of fresh clean tap water to avoid catching nasty diseases like Hepatitis A, they have to struggle at least 4 times harder to earn one of our Australian dollars. They are living in worse conditions. But they can still smile and show genuine happiness. We have so much to feel grateful about, we should smile more often.
Travelling to foreign places really does help you gain perspective on your life. It gives you clarity and reminds you to metaphorically remove the clutter from your mind and create a clearer pathway for living in.
kirsty
11 Apr 2012It is so easy to get caught up on focusing too heavily on your own long term goals and the bigger picture and not seeing the smaller joys in life. There is also the trap of turning down opportunities seeing them as a distraction from reaching your goals rather than a chance to broaden your horizons and surprise yourself when having a new satisfying experience. In a sense it is the mentality to allow time to pause and smell the roses and always make time to express your thanks.
Replykirsty
11 Apr 2012It is so easy to get caught up on focusing too heavily on your own long term goals and the bigger picture and not seeing the smaller joys in life. There is also the trap of turning down opportunities seeing them as a distraction from reaching your goals rather than a chance to broaden your horizons and surprise yourself when having a new satisfying experience. In a sense it is the mentality to allow time to pause and smell the roses and always make time to express your thanks.
ReplyBrittany
10 Apr 2012Taking a step back can help you to see the world in a different light, whilst also providing insights into our priorities.
ReplyI LOVE the countryside! Growing up riding horses for ten years, I always think of the country and the fond memories I have associated with those times. It was great to spend the weekend up there, breathing in the fresh air, not worrying about what you look like and just purely enjoying life!
I think it's important to always take a step back and realise how lucky we are and how many opportunities we have access to compared to other people.
Stacey
09 Apr 2012The idea of keeping your eye out for opportunities that come your way really resonates with me. It's such a good idea to say yes to new experiences as often as you can, because you never know what they may teach you, or when they may reveal an opportunity.
ReplyRaihan
07 Apr 2012Great words - Thanks for the exercise reminder!
ReplySandra
05 Apr 2012This is the first time I've heard of "make hay while the sun shines". Definitely some great points to think about.
ReplyChildren are amazing, I always look forward to seeing my boyfriend's niece and nephew when they come to visit his family. They are so energetic and I love their outlook on life.
Sophie
05 Apr 2012When we are adult, it is more difficult to prove our gratitude. As you said, we tend to say "Thank you" without explain why we are so happy to receive a gift.
ReplyYou are wondering "why can't adults do this?",I don't know but I think that it is easier for us to write contrary to children. If your friend read this article, she will understand how much her flowers gave you hope, and how much you are grateful. It is the same for your team !
Very beautiful article.
Cedric
04 Apr 2012Nice article!
ReplyIt very important to consider all the opportunities we have whatever the degree of importance they have.
All our life is an opportunity but after we are free to choose if we are gonna make it Good or Bad!
The opportunity of lunch time is comming so...
Ellah
04 Apr 2012Congratulations on the new deal!!
ReplyKids really are a blessing, full of energy, innocence and truth. It's so refreshing to just watch and listen to them.