barbaranixon

  • Uncategorized

    The ONE mantra that never fails!

    Early on in my corporate career (about 20 years ago now) I learnt a mantra that has absolutely never ever failed to deliver.

    In fact, it delivers on so many levels.

    ➡️ It helps me to prioritise

    ➡️ To avoid overwhelm

    ➡️ To stop conflict

    ➡️ It stops me getting angry or upset

    ➡️ AND…it helps me to organise my thinking.


    Here it is…

    Choose Your Battles!!

    Simple but amazingly effective.

    This one mantra has got me out of so many sticky situations I can’t even begin to tell you, and it’s helping me out right now.

    As we’re in Lockdown (due to Corona virus if you’re reading this in the future!) so many of us are now not only working from home, but we might also be teaching our children at the same time. Remember the time when we just had to worry about our own to do list?!

    So, since then this mantra has been going round and round in my head…

    ✔️ It stops me from writing a crazy long to do list which would be unrealistic and just lead to overwhelm

    ✔️ It stops me from trying to do everything perfectly

    ✔️ It stops me from worrying if the house is messier than usual, or if the dishwasher hasn’t been put on yet

    ✔️ It stops me from getting annoyed with the situation we’re in, or what’s going on in the world.

    ✔️In fact, all it does is bring me calm.

    So, today I invite you to give this mantra a go, and see how it works for you.

    I’d love to hear your comments, and feel free to share this post if you think it would benefit others.

     

    PS – Download your FREE Workbook 7 ways you’re blocking your own success and what to do about it by clicking here

  • Uncategorized

    5 tips to get you motivated when you just don’t feel like it

    You know that feeling where you’ve got tonnes of work to do, but you just can’t seem to mobilise yourself into action?

    Yep, I have totally been there too!!

    You might sit staring at your screen, or your to do list, but not getting anything worthwhile done, or your procrastination time might be going through the roof.

    If you can relate or you have been there, I’ve got 5 tips to help you get back into action mode.

     

    1. Take a minute

    Allow yourself to take a pause. Have a rest. Take a beat. Give yourself permission to feel how you feel. That’s perfectly allowed. You might want to reflect, tune in or just process things – even going through these motions without trying to force anything could be just what you need.

    2. Raise your frequency

    This is one of my all time favourite tips as it works wonders to raise your energy levels and get yourself feeling more up beat. So, do something that will raise your vibe. Maybe it’s putting on your favourite song; singing at the top of your lungs; Doing some exercise or reading a few pages of your book. Whatever it is for you, make time for it. It’ll do you the world of good.

    3. Re-group

    Have you ever noticed that when you have a really good declutter things just feel better and you get the headspace you need? So, use this time to have a bit of a clear out.  Clear out your office, your inbox, your desk, even your laptop if you want to, and you’ll also start to feel really productive too.

    4. Go for the low hanging fruit

    Now, I don’t say this very often, but now’s the time to dive into your quick and easy tasks (usually I encourage you to leave these until later) but by getting these crossed off your list you’ll start to feel like you’re making progress, and you’ll start to get into work mode again.

    5. Look for that next small step

    It’s easy to feel bogged down and overwhelmed when you’ve got loads to do and you can’t get started. It’s like when you’ve got to be up early and you can’t sleep no matter how hard you try. So, go easy on yourself, and just keep looking for that next small step rather than the amount you’ve got to do. Remember all the small steps really do add up and pretty soon you’ll have achieved loads.

    Ready for the next steps?

    Download your free workbook 7 ways you’re blocking your own success (and what to do about it) by clicking here.

     

  • Blog, mindset

    3 tips to stop resisting, whatever it is you’re resisting?

    About three months ago I decided to put some structure into how I manage my working week. Now I’d always resisted this because I told myself that I don’t like structure that I like spontaneity. That I had to be available for my clients, that any kind of structure would dampen my creativity. So I resisted it for a long time until I decided I had to create a structure that was right for me.

    And you know what? It worked an absolute dream.

    Which leads me to ask the question to you – what are you resisting and why are you resisting it?

    Now, chances are that you can put your finger on it immediately because resistance feels a little bit uncomfortable.


    I’ve got a few tips for you because I have a theory that when we resist something, chances are it is going to benefit us.


    Tip #1- Ask yourself what is it that you’re resisting

    You are probably going to be able to put your finger on it. If not then write it down in a notebook and see what comes up for you.


    Tip #2 Ask yourself what’s your reason for resisting it?

    You might find some stories that you’ve been telling yourself popping up. See what excuses pop up. What messages you’re telling yourself and see what happens.


    Tip #3 – Create an experiment

    I’m not the type of person that will tell you to dive in to do something because if it works for me, it’ll work for everybody. But, I do encourage people to test and measure things for themselves. Create a little mini-experiment and see how it works. Tweak things, adapt things, move things around, make it work for you.


    Those are my three tips for stopping the resistance. I’d love to hear your comments. Let me know what you are resisting and if you’ve got any tips that you can share.

     

    If you’d like to grab your FREE WORKBOOK on 7 ways you’re blocking your own success and what to do about it click here 

     

     

     

     

    Supercharge your productivity

    Family Meal Prep Plans

  • Blog, mindset

    Stop with the excuses

    One thing that I see an awful lot of is when amazing people get fantastic opportunities that might be a little bit out of their comfort zone. Instead of putting their hands up and saying I would love to have a go at that, they find themselves coming up with an excuse why they can’t.

    Here are some tips for you if you find yourself in that position.


    Tip #1 – Listen out for the excuse

    Next time something comes up or next time you feel like doing something, and you find yourself coming up with an excuse or a reason, try and spot what that excuse is and write it down. Make a note of it because chances are it’s going to be coming up time and time again.

     

    Tip #2 – Ask yourself if it’s really true

    You’ve got to be really honest with yourself here. Ask yourself if it’s true, or is it just an excuse. You have to tune in and listen to yourself because you’ll secretly know. Now if it’s the truth, fair enough, you don’t have to do everything. You can just write it down and say I’m going to come back to it when the time is right. If you’re just lying to yourself then be honest and lean into that conversation with yourself.

     

    Tip #3 – Decide what the next small steps would be

    Now, if you’ve been hanging out with me for a while, you’ll know that I’m a massive believer in not disregarding the small steps. You don’t climb a mountain in one leap. It’s a series of small steps that gets you there.


    I would welcome your comments. So let me know what works for you, which are the tips you prefer. I’d love to know what tips you’ve got for getting you past excuses. And I’d also love to know what your favourite excuse is. Let me know in the comments and I will see you next week.

     

    If you’d like to grab your FREE MASTERCLASS on how you’re blocking your own success click here.

  • Blog, mindset

    How to stop comparing yourself to others

    Comparing yourself to others is really common because we’ve got access to other people’s lives via social media. And if we’re not careful, we can fall into the trap of comparing where we are to where somebody else is and feeling envious or jealous. You might question your ability, your value.

     

    Tip #1 – Spot yourself comparing as it’s happening


    What you might find is that you start seeing it after the event. That’s fine, but let’s start raising that self-awareness. After some time you may be able to spot that you are comparing as it happens.

     

    Tip #2 – Write a list of all the things that you find that you are envious of


    Write a list of the things that you wish that you had that this person is experiencing. That will give you a shopping list. You can add that to your vision board or your goal list and you can start working towards it yourself.

     

    Tip #3 – Thank them for showing you the way


    Now, this might be a little bit of a tricky one. You don’t have to phone them up and thank them. But in your head you can thank them and think, I’m so pleased that somebody showing me that I can have all those things. I can achieve those things because you’re actually doing it and somebody always has to go first.


    Change your mindset and reframe it from feeling envious to feeling grateful.

     

    Tip #4 – Focus on service


    You’re going first for other people. You’re ahead of other people and they’ll be looking at you, whether you realize it or not, and thinking, look at them they’re doing so well and I want to do well.


    So focus on service, on giving back, on serving your clients, on serving your team and the people around you.


    Focus on how other people can get there too, so you’re helping other people along the way.


    Those are my tips for how to stop comparing yourself to others. I would love to see your comments. So let me know what your experiences are and if you’ve got any tips that you’d like to share about how you’ve got over comparing yourself to other people then we’d love to hear from you.

     

    If you’d like to grab your FREE WORKBOOK on 7 ways you’re blocking your own success and what to do about them click here

  • Blog, mindset

    5 ways to stop waiting for an invitation?

    Have you ever been in the position where you see other people smashing it out of the park, and you’re still in exactly the same place?

    You look over and wonder…

    “How did they get that opportunity and I didn’t?”

    ‘How did they get chosen or picked?”

    “Who do they know that I don’t?”

    I was having this very same conversation with someone the other day, when they found themselves in exactly the same position, and the fact of the matter is that chances are that the one thing the other person isn’t doing, that maybe you are is waiting for an invitation.

    The thing is I see this so often with the people I work with (and I have to say that I’ve been there myself) that instead of looking and asking for the opportunities, they’re waiting patiently for someone to come and invite them to take part. To do things like:

    …speak at that event!

    …be on that amazing podcast!

    …write a post for that popular website!

    …speak up in that meeting!

    …go for that promotion!

    And although, yes, sometimes that invitation does happen, most of the time especially when you’re trying to get some traction, you have to be the one to make your own opportunities and go after the things that you want to do.

    So, if this is where you’re at, I’ve got you covered…try these 5 tips.

    Decide what’s on your dream list

    First things first, you need to decide what you’d like to do. Is there something that you’d love to be part of? If so, it’s time to make a list. It’s so much easier to go for what you want, if you know exactly where you’re going. Here’s a hint…if you keep writing it as a goal, you keep talking about it, or you find yourself envying anyone who’s done it – chances are you should be aiming for it too.

    Do your research

    Once you know exactly what you’d love to be involved in, it’s time to do your research.
    What are they looking for?
    What are the submission guidelines?
    Who is the organiser?
    How do you get involved?
    Knowing all of this first, will make it so much easier to get the yes that you’re looking for.

    Ask

    This can often be the hardest step of all as it involves stepping out of your comfort zone and ‘putting yourself out there’ – but as the saying goes “if you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

    Watch out for your excuses, assumptions and blocks

    Be super aware of any blocks popping up round about now to stall or stop you in your tracks. Have you got an excuse why you can’t move forward? Are you suddenly too busy? Are you making an assumption why you can’t do it? Is it on your to do list as something you’ll do tomorrow? If so, check in with yourself to see how you feel. It’s OK and perfectly natural to feel nervous about taking action, especially if it’s something you’ve not done before – but remember ‘confidence comes from action.’

    Take the next small step

    As you’ve probably heard me say a thousand times, you don’t climb a mountain in one leap – so don’t freak yourself out by trying to get everything done straight away. Instead look for that next small step to keep you taking action until you’ve achieved your goal, and give yourself a deadline for when each small step should be finished.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts, let me know in the comments – and if you’re ready to take the next steps join me on the next 5 day Smash Your Own Ceiling Mindset Challenge.

  • Blog, mindset

    The Power of Consistency

    One thing that I see a lot of is business owners fall into this pattern or scenario of starting things and stopping them and starting them and stopping them and starting and stopping and not being consistent. I see this in all areas of business, but I’m going to pick on communication as being the main one that we’ll talk about today.

    Instead of being consistent, you do it for a little while and then you lose the habit and it falls by the wayside. Does this sound like something you do? Because if so, you are not alone.

    There is real magic in consistency because it’s like having that snowball effect. It might be tough to start with but it gathers momentum then opportunities come your way and people start to notice you and remember your message. That’s when you start to get the results that you’re looking for.


    Three Tips to stay consistent

    Tip #1 – Decide what adds value to your business

    Pick one thing. It’s harder to build up a habit when you try to do all the things. Whether that’s sending a newsletter out each week, or a podcast, or a blog post or whatever is for you.


    Tip#2 – Decide how it adds value

    What is the benefit of doing that every single week? What results do you want from it? What are you expecting? How do you want people to see you showing up? So put some meat on the bones here, what does it look like for you? Why do you want to do this one thing?


    Tip #3 – Decide on a day that it will happen every week

    Create a system for you to put that out into the world every week. Put it into your calendar that this is your day for doing that thing. Hold yourself accountable for this to make it into a habit that you do every single week.

    Bonus Tip – Batch your content

    It’s so much easier when you’re not having to create it every single week. Create three months’ worth of content all in one sitting. Then all you have to do is pick it up and drop it into place when that time comes.

    I hope this has been useful to you. I’d love to know in the comments where you fall down in your consistency, what tips you’ve got to help other people out and what works for you.

    If you’d like to grab your FREE MASTERCLASS on how you’re blocking your own success click here.

  • Blog, mindset, Uncategorized

    Why Mindset Matters To Your Business

    It matters because it is money left on the table.

    All the tiny decisions you make each day matter because not all these add value to your business. Concentrating on the high ticket tasks that may take longer, or stretch you, or make you feel uncomfortable but add value to your business.

    Whether you choose option A (the high ticket task) or option B (the easy task) is why mindset is so important. If you are choosing option B, is it because you’re uncomfortable about option A? It might take more of your time. It might make you feel a bit more uncomfortable. It might be a stretch. You might be doubting yourself at that moment in time. How do we stay laser-focused in your business so that you’re not letting your mindset run the show?

    Tip #1 Divide your to-do list in two

    I’m a huge fan of a to-do list and that’s because they work. But, the problem that I’ve seen with to-do lists is that we can get into the trap of just writing everything down. If we’re not careful, we fall into the trap of just doing the quick things every single day. The easy things, the things that we can cross off. We leave the meatier tasks, the ones that we just talked about that do pack a big punch to another day. But that other day might never come. And then you might end up with the same goals year after year after year if you’re not careful.

    This is why dividing your to-do list comes into play. Have a to-do list with everything on it. Then create what I call a leap list, which is where you put your high ticket tasks. I’d recommend choosing one a day or a couple, two or three a week. Tasks that you’re going to focus on at that time. These are the tasks that will leap you forward, that will propel you forward. These are the ones that will get you in front of people, that will improve your visibility, which will get you the clients that you want. These are the ones that will actually get money in the bank.


    Tip #2 – Do your leap task first every single day

    Whatever it is that you’ve written down on your leap list, you do that first. Before you dive into social media, before you go onto your inbox, before you start messing about with your website. Before you start doing all the simple tasks on your to-do list, you work on your leap task first. This will ensure that it’s always getting the attention that it needs, and you’ll get it finished much faster.


    Tip #3 Challenge your own thinking

    Now, this is a biggie. When you are going through your day and you are deciding, what should I do next? What should I work on? When you feel yourself gravitating to that easy task, that quick task, that one that you can cross off quicker than the others.

    Challenge yourself and think is this going to get me closer to my goal faster than if I chose something off my leap list? I might not be able to cross it off by the end of the day. However, if I cross it off by the end of the week because I’ve been working on it consistently, it’s going to propel me forward.


    Those are my tips for you. This is why mindset matters. I’d love to hear your thoughts so do let me know in the comments. I’d love to know where it is that you are getting stuck or what it is that you’re fighting against in your mindset and why it’s keeping you stuck in the same place. Or the tips that you’ve got to propel yourself forward. So let me know in the comments.

    If you’d like to grab your FREE MASTERCLASS on how you’re blocking your own success click here.

  • Uncategorized

    5 tips to get past your fear of visibility

     

     

    There are loads of positives around being more visible. It’s great for raising your profile and getting in front of more people; for sharing your message; for having more impact; for helping more people; and for growing your business. That said, it can feel scary and leave you running for the hills and wanting to hide behind the sofa.

    So if this is where you are, here are 5 tips to get you heading in the right direction:

     

    1 Get super clear on your message

    When you’re really clear on your mission, and your message and the benefit it will have for your audience, all of a sudden it no longer becomes about you – but what you want to share. This can really take the pressure off that search for perfection. You don’t have to worry about getting it right all the time, or delivering a polished performance as you’ll be more focused on making sure more people hear your message.

    2. Expect Fear

    I know this can feel like a weird tip as often fear is associated with danger. But fear just means you’re heading into new territory, that you’re growing, developing and doing something new. So, instead of seeing it as something that feels awful and that you need to run from, see it as a sign that you’re doing something new and heading in the right direction.

    3. Look out for ways that you’re self sabotaging

    You might have all the right intentions, have written amazing goals of what you want to achieve on your vision board, but steps are you actually taking to get you there?

    If you keep putting it off chances are you might very well be sabotaging your own success. So look out for times when you’re putting off being more visible in favour of doing other tasks, or if you’re making excuses for not doing it. If this is you, schedule some time and get the job done.

    4. Set yourself a challenge

    I’m a big fan of challenges so I love the saying ‘what gets measured gets done!’

    So decide how much you want to achieve this week or this month and go for it. Whether that’s so many Facebook Lives; so many pitches to podcasts or so many blog articles you want to submit to editors. Have a target in your head and aim for it.

    5. Focus on afterwards

    Yes you might feel nervous right now, but how amazing will you feel in the future when you’ve achieved your goal? It’s going to be amazing! Focus on the benefits you might experience and that feeling of accomplishment, as that’s where you’re heading.

     

    I’d love to hear your thoughts about being visible, and which tip speaks to you the most, and if you’d like to grab your FREE MASTERCLASS on how you’re blocking your own success click here.

  • Blog

    How to up-level so you achieve more

    I’ve just had a lovely conversation with a coaching client about how much they’ve up-levelled in only the 2 months we’ve been working together.

    It really has been transformational, and now they feel like they’ve not only got more confidence, but they’re also able to achieve what they want.

    This is something that is very close to my heart as there’s nothing I love more than seeing people rise and stand in their power.

    So, if you’re ready to take action, and up-level in 2020, here are 7 steps to get you heading in the right direction.

    1. Be really clear on what you really want

    Let me ask you a question….what is it that you want?

    If we were to fast forward 12 months, what would you want that’s different to where you are now?

    More clients?

    More sales?

    A promotion?

    A new job?

    More confidence?

    By being super clear on what it is that you want, you’re much more likely to get there. However, you first have to give yourself permission to want it. This is where so many people fall down. They don’t feel as though it’s ok to want it.

    What if people think I’m too big for my boots?

    What if my friends / family don’t like me anymore?

    What if I change?

    What if I’m not good enough?

    There are people better than me.

    All of these thoughts might be swirling round in your head.

    Even so, don’t miss this step as this will set you off in the right direction.

    Here’s action number 1

    Give yourself permission to want what you want. It’s OK. You’re allowed to want; be, do and have more. It doesn’t make you a bad person. In fact, chances are you’ll be able to impact more people by up-levelling.

    Action number 2

    Write yourself a letter to the future of what you’re going to be, do and have in December 2020, and open it when you get there. I do this all the time, and not only is it really good fun, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you’ve achieved.

    2. Decide what up-levelling means to you

    This is very different for different people, so time to have a think about what it is for you.

    How are you going to be different when you up-level?

    Now, by this I don’t mean that your personality will have changed, but more about how will you will you feel?

    Will you be more focused?

    Will you be more confident?

    Will you put yourself forward for more things?

    Will you not question yourself or struggle with self doubt?

    Action number 3

    Take a moment to have a think about what up-levelling means to you, and why it matters. I’d love to hear what it is so feel free to let me know in the comments.

    3. Start looking for opportunities to say YES to

    I am a huge advocate on learning to say no, however, today I’m shouting from the roof tops of being brave enough to say YES!

    The reason being is that this used to be a big thing for me. Whenever an amazing opportunity came along I would automatically think of a reason why I couldn’t / shouldn’t do it. I was a habitual Excuse fanatic.

    The problem with this is that it’s a sure fire way of keeping you small, also if you’re not careful people will stop asking, and start to stop spotting the amazing opportunities when they do come up.

    I remember once I was sat talking to a friend of mine who had been job hunting for a while, and another friend of ours had found the perfect job in the same area, and in the same field that the first friend had wanted. The funny thing is that the perfect job had been advertised in places that she regularly looked.

    The thing was the first friend hadn’t spotted it, as she’d convinced herself that there were no good jobs out there.

    In reality she’d stopped looking!

    In order to up-level you have to start saying YES!

    Yes it might feel uncomfortable as it’s new

    Yes it might be a comfort zone stretch

    Yes you might have to do loads more work to prepare

    Yes you might feel nervous, and afraid.

    But what if….it leads to something amazing?

    What if it gives you more confidence?

    What if you’re really good at it?

    What if..??

    Challenging yourself and stretching your comfort zone is the only way to grow. No-one said the road to up-levelling was easy.

    Action number 4

    What are you going to say YES to?

    Speaking up in a meeting?

    Pitching to a brand new client?

    Going for a new job?

    Speaking on a podcast or at someone’s event?

    There are so many amazing opportunities out there, which one are you going to say yes to?

    4. Identify what your blocks are and where you’re holding yourself back 

    This is a sneaky one, as so often your blocks might have become a habit and you might not realise you’re doing it. In order to side step your blocks you first need to know what they are for you.

    So, I’ve got you covered with a free workshop. Click here if you want to have a listen.

    5. Raise your self awareness

    Once you’ve identified your block start to spot yourself doing it.

    This does take time and practice, but well worth the effort. Once you’ve started to tune in, you’ll be able to turn it around to something that serves you more, and when that happens you’ll be able to choose whether you’re going to side step it and get in your own way, or continue to rise up.

    6. Surround yourself with people who all want the same

    Who you hang around with really does matter. If you’re sharing your goals with people who aren’t on the same page, not only are you battling your own old habits and ways of working, but you’ll also be getting sucked down by their views too.

    Now, this doesn’t mean you need to ditch all your old friends and never see your Aunty Freda again. But it does mean that maybe you’re a bit more selective about what you talk to them about, and get yourself a new gang full of people who are on the same page. Ambitious, positive, action takers who will become your real life cheerleaders.

    Action number 5

    Wondering where to find such an amazing crew?

    They’re everywhere!

    Facebook groups, Linkedin groups, networking events, you can even create your own.

    This will make such a difference to your journey (and make it so much more fun too!)

    7. Get a coach

    Hiring a coach isn’t just for the athletes and CEO’s of the world. They’re for everyone!

    I’ve worked with people at all levels of their journey.

    A coach will keep you on track. Hold you accountable, challenge you, and cheer you on every step of the way.

    If you’re serious about up-levelling, give this some thought. (If you’d like to talk about whether this is for you, click here for a complimentary discovery call)

    I can’t wait to see what you achieve in the New Year. Final point: Don’t try to get there in one leap. You don’t climb a mountain in one big jump, it’s a series of small steps in the right direction. So, focus on the next small step you can take to keep you moving.

    (PS – if you found this post valuable feel free to share it with someone you think would benefit from it.)