barbaranixon

  • Why time management tips aren’t actually working for you

    Time management remains one of the most asked for personal development topics, and for good reason.

    Time is our number 1 resource…we can’t get any more of it no matter what we do, and there’s always a lot to fit into a very small 16 hour daily window (assuming we sleep for 8 hours a night that is!)

    But the thing is that time management tips are everywhere. I could list loads right now and you’d probably know them all.

    Things like:

    • Turn the notifications of on your email / phone
    • Use a to-do list (and a done list)
    • Get good at saying no
    • Create buffers in between your meetings
    • Delegate

    See…none of these are rocket science (although all of them do actually work wonders).

    So the real question isn’t ‘how do I manage my time?

    But why aren’t I actually doing the things that will actually help me manage my time?’

    What’s actually stopping you from putting into practice the things that you know would work?

    Over the years I’ve asked a lot of people that question…and more often than not it comes down to your thinking.

    For example:

    ‘I need to keep checking my emails in case something happens’

    ‘I don’t want to let anyone down so I have to work this weekend’

    ‘It’s the nature of the job to work long hours’

    ‘I’m the boss so people have to be able to get hold of me’

    ‘It’s just expected of me’

    ‘If I don’t do it no-one will’

    ‘It’s quicker if I do it myself’

    Any of these familiar?

    We all have thoughts, beliefs and ideas about what we think we should be doing, or how we think we’re expected to show up…but when was the last time you actually challenged your own thinking and asked ‘is this really true?’

    And…if the answer is ‘no’ what could you do instead?

    Chances are a lot of what you’re thinking that’s causing you to work in a certain way is just some out of date thinking or habit that’s no longer true.

    Sure once upon a time it might have been true.

    Or it might have even be true for someone else who had some influence on you at some point (like an old boss) but it might not actually be true for you right now.

    And chances are if you changed that thinking and did something different…nothing bad would actually happen.

    You might even find yourself thinking ‘why didn’t I do this years ago?’

    So, my question is…what are you telling yourself about the way you manage your time that might not be true for you anymore?

    Here’s how:

    1. Look at all the things you don’t like about your day. The things that just serve to sap your time and energy…and make a list.
    2. Now write down why you keep doing them…and see what comes up. If you’re lucky you might have a real A-Ha moment and change them right now. If not, keep going and write down all the reasons why.
    3. Look at each of the reasons and challenge each one…one by one, asking yourself ‘is this really true?’ If it isn’t…it’s time to switch your thinking.

    Give it a go and see what comes up for you.

     

     

    Ready for the next steps?

    Take the Confident Leaders Quiz – and see where you need to focus your attention to get the results you really want – Click here to take the Quiz)

    Listen to the podcast – Smash Your Own Ceiling (click here for apple) (click here for spotify)

  • I had this on my vision board for the longest time

    I don’t know about you, but I love a vision board, and have used one for years.

    That said, I’m not really into cutting out pictures of what I want as I’m not actually a very visual person. Instead I have a notebook that every time I think of something I want to Be, Do or Have that’s a bit out of reach I write it in.

    The cool thing about this is that I can see what I’ve wanted over the years so when it pops up and actually happens I always have a mini melt down of ‘OMG that’s on my list!!’

    And that’s exactly what happened recently.

    Years ago I wrote…’perform at Edinburgh Fringe’ on my list.

    If you don’t know what this is, it’s a big comedy and performance festival that’s held in Edinburgh, Scotland, every single year and it’s globally famous. People come from far and wide to perform and watch all the acts.

    Now, at the time I wrote this on my list I’d just done a bit of stand up comedy and loved it, so maybe that’s where that came from…I’m not all that sure…but it was on there. Written in magic pen!

    The other thing that’s worth mentioning is that I’m in a choir. Something that I absolutely love to do. I’m not a solo singer by any stretch, but singing with a group of fab people is totally my jam.

    Anyway, at the beginning of the year it was announced that our choir’s tour would be performing this year at the Edinburgh Fringe!

    Yep, I had a mini melt down!

    So, that’s what’s happening this weekend. YAY!!!!

    I’m beyond excited that something that’s been on my list is coming to fruition and just goes to show that even though you might not see immediate results, it doesn’t mean that its not going to happen. Sometimes things just take a while.

    Like chess pieces moving around a board.​

    This is how I visualise manifesting. The universe needs time to move the pieces to line everything up with whatever you want – and often there are a lot of moving pieces to consider, especially when we keep changing things too.

    So, the lesson here is, keep taking action, focus on your goal and don’t lose faith that what you want is on it’s way to you.

    If you’re interested in seeing what mischief I get up to at Edinburgh Fringe I’ll be posting it on my Instagram stories so click here to follow along.

     

  • Behind the scenes of a Managing Director – with Noel Kershaw

    I’m so excited to share this fantastic ‘Behind the Scenes’ conversation with Noel Kershaw.

    Noel is the Managing Director of Deli Fresh an amazing conversation that supplies fresh food to hotels and restaurants around the country, and in this conversation he shares:

    – His personal development journey in coaching over the past few years

    – Why he decided to dive into coaching, what was going on for him and why he felt it was important

    – How things changed for him as a result

    AND he shares a lot of wisdom from his own experience that you could use in your own business / life.

    Click here to have a listen

    PLUS – I’m super excited to share that the doors of The Leaders Circle Roundtable Mastermind is OPEN for enrolment.

    This is for you if:

    ✔️ You’re a Managing Director or Director

    ✔️ You’re great at focusing on the business and your team but not that great at focusing on yourself and what you need?

    ✔️ You realising that what got you here, isn’t going to get you there and that you need to learn how to up-level as a leader to get the results you really want?

    ✔️You have times when you feel like an imposter, and ask yourself ‘who am I to be a leader’?

    ✔️You feel like it’s lonely at the top, and you’d love a safe space to have vulnerable conversations without needing to know all the answers?

    ✔️You’re getting fed up with spinning all the plates and juggling all the balls and your fear of failure is a heavy burden to carry?

    ✔️Your work life balance, not very…balanced, and you’d like more time with your family, and partner?

    ✔️You want to be the best you can be at home and at work?

    ✔️You’re ready to focus on your development, and see how changes to your habits, thinking or daily actions can make a huge impact on all areas of your life.

    ✔️You craving headspace and time to focus on yourself without anyone needing or wanting your attention?

    If so, this is for you.

    Click here for more info

  • I got a whole room to do the power pose…here’s what happened

    Last week I ran an event focused purely on growing your confidence.

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing these as having tools in your back pocket to boost your confidence when you need it most, or improve your mindset in the moment is probably the BEST thing you can have in your personal development tool box.

    There we were, doing our thing, when the topic of the Power Pose came up (if you don’t know what this is watch this TED talk, it’s a good one) and the person was nervous about giving it a try…even on their own.

    You see the benefits of doing a Power Pose are that they discovered a link between doing the power pose, and an increase in testosterone and a decrease in cortisol (which is the stress hormone) and an increased feeling of being powerful.

    So, without even thinking about it I invited the whole room to join me for 2 minutes and stand like wonder woman (hands on hips, head in the air…the whole deal)

    I set the timer on my phone and we were off…and here’s what happened!!

    The first 30 seconds felt like a life time. People were fidgeting. Looking embarrassed struggling to find their place…

    Then all of a sudden the room fell into a quiet state of calm and the energy shifted and everyone just embraced it.

    After the full 2 minutes I asked everyone how they felt and they said ‘Amazing’

    Now, I have no idea whether there were any changes to hormones but in that moment we felt great…and all it took was 2 minutes to stand (30 seconds to feel a bit silly and 1.5 minutes to go with it) and you’ve got something you can use in the moment when you need it.

    It all starts with you!!

  • How to get out of the weeds in your business with Gary King

    Welcome to another episode of the podcast.

    This week I’m delighted to share a cuppa that I had with the fantastic Gary King.

    Gary helps business owners to have the freedom to choose where, when and how they work.

    After 25 years in high-growth businesses delivering results at a senior level, Gary knew he could use his skills to help SMEs. A straight-talking, no-nonsense Yorkshireman, he now helps ambitious business owners create the freedom to make choices about their life through a range of online and in-person programmes.

    Having turned around his business and his lifestyle when struggling in the first few years, Gary now runs three successful businesses and it’s his experience he uses to help other entrepreneurs ditch the guilt, start earning what they are worth, and have the ability to make choices about how they spend their time. He creates what many hard-working business owners are missing – the freedom to choose.

    In this episode Gary shares:

    – Why he started his business in the first place

    – How he got stuck in the weeds and how that affected his life

    – What he did to get himself out of the weeds

    – And loads of golden nuggets to help you if you can relate

    Have a listen here

    Gary is also Director & Northern Regional Head for the Association of Business Mentors.

    To get in touch with Gary visit: https://www.tendo-uk.com/https://www.tendo-uk.com/

  • How to declutter your mindset – with Claire Shamillia

    Welcome to this weeks episode of The Smash Your Own Ceiling Podcast.

    Today I’m really excited to share a fab chat I had with the lovely Claire Shamilla.

    We cover a lot of ground in this episode:

    – How Claire’s life changed back in 2008 with the birth of her daughter

    – Letting go of old conditioning and old beliefs that no longer serve you

    – How to re-connect with yourself and remember who you really are

    – How to de-clutter those beliefs

    And so much more

    This is one to listen to with a notebook and pen.

     

    Let me first tell you a bit more about Claire…

    Since 2008 Claire Shamilla has supported women around the world to get unblocked and live with purpose.

    She is a highly trained & experienced practitioner who holds a Degree in Education, is an Accredited Life Coach, EFT Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher and an Advanced PSYCH-K® Facilitator.

    She has a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and uses a holistic approach to support women to achieve lasting results, addressing not just the symptoms, but also the root cause of their challenges so that they can live a fulfilling life of balance, joy & purpose.

    Get the FREE One Minute Recharge Practice here: https://www.claireshamilla.com/recharge

    Website: https://www.claireshamilla.com

    Podcast: Rock Your Magic Podcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireshamilla/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claireshamilla

  • How to maintain a growth mindset – with Alan Reynolds

    Welcome…I’m super excited to share a fantastic conversation I had with the amazing Alan Reynolds about a topic that’s so very close to my heart – how to maintain a Growth Mindset.

    In this episode we talk about:

    – The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset

    – How to tell the difference, and spot the signs in yourself

    – How moments of a fixed mindset might be limiting your growth and results

    – How to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset

    And so much more

    Let me share more about Alan…

    Alan Reynolds draws on his wide experience in banking and finance and more recently as a business consultant and lecturer in management. He is also a successful and award-winning thriller and screenplay writer.

    Alan’s key attribute is being able to inspire confidence in those he works with, bringing possibilities into probabilities and probabilities into certainties. As well as the financial sector he has worked for a number of multi-nationals.

    Alan has developed and delivered numerous training programmes which have received nominations for a national training award; specifically aimed at management development, leadership, and people skills. On an individual basis he has provided one to one coaching to senior management & executive

    level.

    In addition to his business enterprise, Alan is also Chair of the Self Employed Professionals Group. As part of his remit he has developed a mentoring scheme for new start-ups and successfully supported many members of the group who are venturing into the world of self employment for the first time.

    Alan has Thirty-six years with Lloyds Bank, twenty-five of which were in management positions culminating in being appointed a Senior HR Manager.

    Director of Alan Reynolds Associates Ltd, business consultancy.

    Alan is a former Associate of the CIPD and the Chartered Institute of Bankers

    More recently, in 2010, he has taken up writing fiction and has fourteen novels published including the award-winning Flying with Kites.

    Other books published; Taskers End, Breaking the Bank, The Sixth Pillar, The Tinker, The Coat, Valley of the Serpent, Smoke Screen, Twelve- a Date with Obsession, Exfil, Trent Island. The Baker’s Story, Arthur’s War, The Last Poppy.

  • How to navigate change with a beginners mindset with Mitzi Campbell

    Have you ever had to take a leap into the unknown and start a new chapter in your life?

    That’s exactly what Mitzi Campbell and I talked about on this week’s episode as Mitzi shared her leap from Academia to running her own business.

    Mitzi has spent over thirty-five years in education.

    She teaches, and her dynamic skills in the areas of academia, psychology, non-profit leadership and the creative arts inform her life story in continuous, priceless, and powerful ways and allow her to impact and uplift others with divine sincerity.

    Mitzi is the creator and host of The Blessons Podcast where she uses her platform to connect humanity and inspire personal growth and self-discovery for the good of all.

     

    In this episode we talk about:

    The importance of a beginners mindset

    The catalyst for starting again

    Following your truth

    Imposter Syndrome

    Limiting beliefs that hold you back

    And the importance of meditation.

    We cover a lot of ground and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

  • Getting Leads from Linkedin with Judy Parsons

    Today I have the absolute pleasure of sharing a fantastic chat I had with Judy Parsons – The Linkedin Lady. 
    What Judy doesn’t know about Linkedin really isn’t worth knowing…in fact, this episode is so much more than a conversation and more like a workshop…so you’re going to want to get your pen’s at the ready.
    But first let me tell you more about Judy. 
    Judy is an independent LinkedIn trainer, speaker and LinkedIn marketing specialist, and works with business owners to unlock LinkedIn’s potential, so they Get Found, Get Famous and Get Clients on LinkedIn. Passionate about de-mystifying LinkedIn, Judy ensures her clients make the most of the time they spend on LinkedIn, closing the gap between ‘just being on LinkedIn’ and making LinkedIn work effectively as a tool for generating inbound enquiries. 
    Everything Judy teaches she uses to generate her own clients on LinkedIn. 
    She believes that if she can grow her business on LinkedIn then anyone can! 
    To find out more visit: 

  • Getting the most out of your team – With Ed Fish

    I’m really excited to be opening up 3 additional places for my 6 month one to one Coaching Programme.

    This is for you if you’re a business owner or leader and…

    You’re ready to elevate as a leader

    To get out of the weeds, and get some work life balance

    Lead your team and yourself more effectively

    Start to get the results that you really want

    Side step Imposter Syndrome or stop holding yourself back

    Live your truest potential

    All you need to do is send an email to info@barbaranixon.co.uk with the word COACHING in the subject heading and we’ll get back to you to explore whether it’s right for you.

    Also, if you know that 1-1 coaching isn’t right for you right now, but you’d love to work on your mindset and stop holding yourself back come and join the Smash Your Own Ceiling Collective and use the coupon code 50%OFF to get 50%o off.

    Now onto today’s episode…

    Today I’m sharing a fantastic conversation that I had with Ed Fish.

    Ed is an Organisational Climatologist which means that  he helps with the Climate in an organisation, which is fundamentally, ‘how it feels to work here.’

    Many feel this is ‘the soft stuff’, but it is steeped in science that Ed has been studying for the last 20 years.

    He uses this science to demystify how people interact and leaders lead, so maximise human potential and bring some joy to the workplace. Ed started the journey by studying biotechnology and going to work in the process industries.

    He is an unreformed engineer, still enjoying some complex maths.  However, his sojourn from design engineer to project management revealed that it is all about people. That is the crux, it’s about people, plural.

    It is about that complex area of social structure, and how we behave.

    That includes the inner workings of individuals (psychology and emotions) and how they interact in a social, productive context.

    You can find Ed on

    At his website ed@pandoraconsulting.co.uk

    Or email pandoraconsults@gmail.com