How Long Does It Last?

Merry Christmas!!  For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, Happy Festivus (Seinfeld's so named Festival for the Rest of Us).


This time of year I see people doing things they usually wouldn't.  Many acts of kindness and niceness are done "because it's Christmas".  Extra donations to charity, letting people cut in line, taking time to talk to people from other departments, there are so many ways I see this sense of charity manifest.


Then January comes, people return to work after some time off and we return to our slightly grumpy and caffeinated way of operating.  Can't we make the festive season last longer?  How long does your sense of goodwill to all men and women last?


I have often thought if I could get the essence of Christmas distilled into a small spray it would come in so handy throughout the year.  A quick spray on those I have to deal with who may have lost perspective or forgotten to smile or the reason we were dealing with each other.


My choice this year is to make Christmas (or Festivus) last all year.  Continue to spread goodwill, tolerance and happiness with all I deal with.  Care to join me?


Thank you for reading my writings this year.  I trust it has brought some value to your life in some manner.  I genuinely wish you, your family and your business a magnificent festive season and a 2011 that blows you away with results, joy and happiness.  If I can help that happen, please contact me.


Merry Christmas - may it last all year long!


Warwick Merry
The Get More Guy

Have You Got Gifts?

It is only 12 days until Christmas.  For those of us who celebrate it, now is the time for us to run around like headless chooks searching for the perfect gifts - or not!!  In fact, Jill Chivers (a friend, shopping guru and woman who has just survived a year without buying clothes) has some excellent tips on How to Survive Holiday Shopping.  


As it is only 12 days until Christmas, Wifey and I got to chatting about the 12 Days of Christmas.  Personally, I don't need that many birds.  With all the swans, partridges and even maids a milking, I don't have room in the house for all of those presents.  So we came up with the 12 Days of Christmas challenge.

Technically, the 12 Days of Christmas start on December 26.  I am happy for you to start this challenge any time you want.  Maybe you don't even celebrate Christmas.  You may prefer Ramadan, Hanukah, Festivus, Holy Give Warwick a Present Day - whatever you choose.  But I strongly recommend you choose the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge.  This challenge is not about what you get, but about what you give.

So check out the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge and let me know how you go!

Enjoy


Warwick

PS Speaking of Christmas, I have been able to get some more bonus items from other authors of Agents of Action.  It is now up to over $1,600 worth of value for the price of the book.  Thanks to those of you who have already pre-ordered it - you will get all of the bonuses (and any more I may be able to get!)

Surviving Holiday Shopping

Today’s post is Something Different.  A friend of mine Jill Chivers runs a program and award winning website called Shop Your Wardrobe.  Jill has been on her own year-long challenge, a year without clothes shopping, which finishes on Wednesday, 15 December 2010.  As she is the expert on shopping (and not shopping), I asked her to share with us her guide to Surviving Holiday Shopping.  I hope you find it valuable!

Enjoy!!

Warwick

Surviving Holiday Shopping

I’ve learned a lot about shopping by not doing it for a year.  My own year without shopping taught me a lot about the emotional reasons that we shop, and ways to use my time, money and energy better. Now we’re coming into the holiday crush and many people’s thoughts are turning to shopping.   

Shopping for Christmas gifts, shopping for special holiday food, shopping for one’s self as a treat.  I don’t know about you, but there are certain shopping centres that I actively avoid from about December 10 onward – they are madhouses!  If you found shopping confusing or over-stimulating before, then in the lead up to the end of the year and in the week leading up to the New Year, they are even worse! So here are our top tips for surviving shopping mayhem this

year.

1.    Be prepared.  

      Yes, girl and boy scouts, this oldie but goodie is one worth applying to shopping.  Don’t go out of the house, headed towards the shop without a clear plan of where you’re going and what you’re getting.  Write a list.  Use that list.  Even if you aren’t a list-writer or use one at any other time of the year. This may take some time to create, your list – but consider it a wise investment – the time you spend creating the list will pay off in spades when you’re in the mall.  And remember:
lists are like maps – they can help you stay on track and avoid pitfalls.  If there is any time of year
when pitfalls abound, it’s now.  So do yourself a favour and create your map and take it with you!

2.  
Be in a resourceful state.  

      What this refers to is how you’re feeling, mentally, emotionally and physically.  Do not go  shopping when you are tired, fractious, hungry, upset, angry or frustrated.  It will only get worse  once you are in the shopping mall.  Make sure you are feeling buoyant, well-rested, energetic, well fed and watered, and calm.

3.  
Be focused.  

      Keep your map – your list – in your hand and go to only those places that you said you would.   Don’t meander into this shop or drift into that shop.  Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by spruikers selling their wares at seemingly massive discounts, or enticing window or table  displays.  Keep your focus laser sharp.

4.  
Be aware.  

      Shopping centres are deliberately designed to keep you in them for as long as possible. The way they are designed, lighted and air conditioned is all part of a deliberate strategy to have you lose your sense of time (and sometimes, direction).  Keep your awareness turned to “high” as you shop, by tuning into your surroundings and noticing them.  It’s easy to become in a slightly anaesthetised state in a large enclosed shopping mall (after all, the design of these malls has been scientifically tested, proven and duplicated for many decades) – so offset that by being aware of where you are.

5. 
Be clever (but not cheap).  

      Some of us are bargain hunters – we can sniff out a sale at 100 paces and our homes and wardrobes are stocked with many items purchased for far less than their ticketed price.  I’m all for buying well but I’d caution: just don’t buy something because it’s on sale.  That’s a trap that will have your home and wardrobe overstuffed with “cheap” where no further thought has gone into its purchase than its price tag.  If you wouldn’t buy it full price, put it back – it’s not for you.

6.  
Be deliberate.  

      Last minute shopping often leads to frenzied shopping where you buy the first thing you see without any hesitation.  Stopping and pausing before buying is a great ‘braking’ mechanism that has you interrupting an automatic thought pattern of “ooh I like this, I must purchase it” to “ooh I like this.  Let me consider what it may, or may not, add to my life”.  Never go from ‘high’ to ‘buy’ – insert a step in between so that everything you bring home is consciously chosen.

7.  
Be timely.  

      Set yourself a timeframe by which you will be finished shopping, and heading out the door.  You want to put some flex into this timeframe, because the car park and the mall may be more  congested than usual, making it harder to manoeuvre around.  But it will be possible to give yourself a broad timeframe that you can stick to.  If you say it’s 2 hours, then after that time, do a quick review of your map (your list) and see if you have done enough for today’s session, and start moving toward the exit.

Shopping at holiday times can be a stimulating pastime.  It can also lead to blow-outs in your budget and the feeling of time slipping through your fingers.   Use these strategies to shop consciously and reduce the consumption commotion this holiday period. As the New Year peaks around the corner, consider making 2011 the year that you “shop your wardrobe” instead of the malls. Find out more about my program and join it (with special input from Warwick in Month 6!) by visiting http://www.shopyourwardrobe.com

Have You Got Your Fat Bob?

Have You Got Your Fat Bob?

Before you get too excited, let me tell you that a Fat Bob is a type of Harley Davidson Motorcycle.  This is what one looks like:

Maybe your desire is not for a Fat Bob, maybe it's a BMW or a piece of jewellery or an overseas holiday.  How are you going with your dream?

A client and friend of mine, Paul has always wanted a Brand New Harley.  The picture you see is of him on his brand new bike. But the story is not as simple as: Set Goal, Worked Hard, and Got Goal.

Paul wanted a brand new Harley but along the way settled for second hand ones. In fact, he had 23 of them before he got his Brand New Fat Bob!

But still, it's not that simple.  Earlier this year, on his way to work, a Kangaroo decided to try and knock him off his bike.  This resulted in major leg and back damage, several operations and coming up with an ingenious way to store crutches on the bike as he rode!!

And still, it is not that simple.  When I asked him if I could use this photo for the Get More Goer he said, "Mate, my journey is far from over. At least 2, probably 4 operations are scheduled for 2011 with a whole lot of recovery work"

THAT is what this is about.  Realising that the journey is not over until they lay you in the coffin.  There will always be hiccups and barriers along the way. There will always be more to do.  There will always be reasons to give up. Keep the focus on what you desire and keep working towards it, one step at a time.  Get the support you need and live life enjoying today.  Who knows what tomorrow brings!

For some, tomorrow brings a Fat Bob.  What will your tomorrow bring?

Enjoy

Warwick

PS A huge thanks to those of you who took up the Agents of Action special offer for the first 70 orders.  I have been able to get some more bonuses from the other authors which means that you get over $1,000 worth of value when you pay $29.95 for the book.  The details are on the order page.  Please let those in your network know about it.

Just got a text from someone who wanted me as MC for a conference but was overruled by committee "You would have been 200% better than this guy - will get you next year for sure!!"

Are You Ready?

Are you ready for 2011?  It is only a month away.  
The reality is that you don't have to do much to get ready for it.  If you just wait, it will sneak up on you.

BUT

If you want to Get More from 2011 there are a couple of things you can do:

• Set aside a day for reflection.  This will include both personal and business reflection
• Have a structure for the day. Something simple like, in the morning personal, the afternoon business. For both sessions look back on the year and acknowledge what you did well, then look forward at your plans and goals for the year
• Make sure you include in this day time to establish what annual leave or holidays you will have
• Create a high level action and reward plan for the year. You MUST celebrate your success. 

To help with this, here are a couple of valuable resources:

• The Get More Grid - use this to create a standard weekly routine   
• Regular Results Review - use this to help with your day of reflection      
• The Get More Guide - This is my profile document. Use it if you are planning a motivational session for your team or looking for a mentor. 

There is also a new book I have contributed to coming out soon to help you take massive action, but more about that later.


Enjoy!

How are the Trains?

I received an email from a friend of mine regarding one of the key policies of the impending state election here in Victoria.  It is worth reading in its entirety.  I hope you enjoy the clip also!

Hello good citizens

With the state election looming, the following titbit from my urban flashmob melbourne choir men in suits may be both amusing and newsworthy:



This is us preparing for our future possible role as the new, more compassionate face of metro: a platform announcements choir that is genuinely, genuinely sorry that the trains are late.

If you happen to have websites, political forums, or groups that you can post this to, please do so with murderous alacrity and glee.
we'd love for this to get seen.

thankyou
stephen taberner

Have You Told Anyone?

I caught up with a friend last night and he told me a strange story.

My friend (let's call him Simon, because that is his name) works for a multi-national with an Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore.  His direct boss is based in this office.  Now Simon doesn't see his boss much but it is an IT company so they stay in touch with emails and video conferencing and the like.

Last week he was at an internal meeting with another colleague from Singapore. Simon just participated as usual and they were able to come up with a resolution to a particular issue.  His colleague went back to Singapore and Simon thought nothing of it.

The next day, Simon received a text from his boss saying something along the lines of, "I have just heard about the great job you guys did. Thank you for your contribution. I understand it made a difference and I wanted to let you know I appreciate it".

Wow!

It had a significant impact on Simon. It confirmed for him that he has a great boss, works at a great company and he is truly valued. Before you start thinking "My boss never says anything like that", put the shoe on the other foot.  Who have you said something like that too?  Have you told anyone that you appreciate their work lately?

Research has show than genuine compliments have a more positive impact than a pay rise. So who needs one? Your boss, your team members, your cleaner, your security guard, the receptionist, the person in the cafe, your partner, your kids, your friends or your family?  I am sure there is someone.

So have you told anyone lately?

---------

PS Do you Exhibit at Tradeshows, Expo's or Conferences?  Do you want to Double Your Return when you next Exhibit? Register for the complimentary webinar 5 Steps to Double Your Return

Want to Double Your Return when you Exhibit? Come to the Free Webinar http://ping.fm/hP1R8

Have You Got The Right Gear?

I spent 6 hours yesterday with a Dingo.  I don't mean the protected native dog of Australia, I mean one of these.

You see, wifey and I are a typical couple in the suburbs.  Some weekends we like to dig in the garden and some weekends we like to knock down the side wall, dig out 6 cubic metres of earth, create a massive new veggie garden and then replace the earth with road base so we can park one of our many vehicles up the side of the garage, then we like to spread the 9 cubic metres of topsoil on the new lawn area where the old pine trees got cut down.

Now I don't know about you, but shifting a total of 21 cubic metres of earth by hand is a huge effort.  Let alone digging out that dirt at the side of the shed that was full of tree roots.  So I decided to make it easier for myself and get the right gear.  So I spent 6 hours with a Dingo.  It made the job a whole lot easier and quicker.  It was a whole lot of fun too!

I have found time and time again that having the right gear makes a massive difference.  Accounting software does a better job than a spreadsheet, waterproof ski gear is better than jeans, sunglasses are better than squinting... you see the theme.

Have you got the right gear?

If there is something you need to do at work or at home, get the right gear.  It makes the job easier, quicker and more rewarding.

Enjoy!


PS Do you Exhibit at Tradeshows, Expo's or Conferences?  Then get the Right Gear to help you Double Your Return. Register for the complimentary webinar 5 Steps to Double Your Return

What about Me?

Something funny happened on the weekend.

As usual, Wifey and I use shampoo.  Recently we bought some new shampoo and started using it. A couple of days later, Wifey asked, "What do you think of the new shampoo?"

Personally, I don't use a great deal of shampoo.  It probably has something to do with the fact that I am balding (but I am still in denial about it).  So I mentioned this to Wifey and also that I was not that fussed about.

Her response, "I meant what do you think about the new shampoo in my hair!"

Ooops!!

I should have realised that.  She does have resplendent hair that cascades halfway down her back (mine is just back hair).  But I was too focussed on myself.  I wasn't considering the intent of her comment.  Based on the number of conversations we have never had about my hair versus the ones we have had about hers, I should have known it was not about me.

What about you?

When you communicate, are you more concerned about yourself or those you are communicating with?  
Do you listen to what the other person is saying and trying to say or is your focus on what you want to say?
Is your focus on the conversation or on reaching the mutual sought outcome?


I'd type more, but I need to go and attend to my hair!

Are You Harry?

As a self confessed geek, I am looking forward to the final two Harry Potter films.  I have read the books so I know what is going to happen and I am still looking forward to them!  The people who are least looking forward to them would be the three actors in the lead roles: Danielle Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and the girl who plays Hermoine.

The reason they would not be looking forward to the end of the Harry Potter films is not the end of the money. According to trash magazines they will have earned enough cash from the films to last them a couple of lifetimes.  It is not the end of the fame because they will always be Harry, Ron and Hermione (in fact, like me, many may remember their character name but not their real one).  The reason they are not looking forward to it is that it is likely to be the end of their acting career.

They will always be Harry, Ron and Hermione.  Even in a different film, people will say "It's got Harry Potter in it".  Even though Danielle and Rupert have done some other work to try and increase their reputation, they will struggle to get past their larger than life characters.  Many movie projects will not want that baggage.

So are you Harry?

Have you done what you do for so long that it is the only thing people (including your boss) know you for?  Does the baggage of "oh they are the one who does...." follow you around?  Or have you tried on a few other roles? Have you expanded your skill set to learn new and relevant skills?  Have you volunteered for different projects within the business so show you can do other things?  Have you done interesting things outside of the workplace to build a rounded character?  Have you shown yourself you can do many amazing things?

Don't just be Harry.  Be as many people or roles as you can.

Enjoy!  


PS  Thanks to those who dropped by the Meeting Mart stand in Melbourne this week.  I trust you will enjoy the Get More Goer.

Image: www.harrypotterspage.com 

 

What Were You Thinking?

A strange thing happened to me on Thursday.  

Mum was down from Queensland visiting and she was spending the last couple of days with me.  As well as going for a spin in Candy (The V8 Mustang that is wifey's car), we chatted and did a few things. On Thursday I made my famous Frangelico and Walnut brownies (let me know if you want the recipe).  This is when the strange thing happened.  Just after I poured the mix into the bowl, I turned to Mum and asked "Do you want to lick the spoon?"

It was like one of those science fiction movies. All of a sudden I was swept back to when I was a kid and mum would ask me, "Do you want to lick the spoon?"  It was so not how the situation was "supposed" to be.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that it is EXACTLY how life is supposed to be.

Each generation matures to take over the role of the previous one.  It happens all around us.  So why do we fight it?  

It is because of what we are thinking.  We hold ourselves back with old ways of thinking.  We have ideas of what our parents should do, our boss should do, our colleagues should do, what we can't do, what subordinates shouldn't do... the ideas and rules of what we can and can't do continue on!!!

Change your thinking!!

By the power vested in me by your subscription to the Get More Goer, I hereby give you permission to break your own rules!!

You can parent your parents, you can boss your boss, you can lead your leaders, and you can do all the things you tell yourself you can't.  It is OK to say No to your boss.  You can submit your ideas to the discussion even if you are a junior and haven't been there long.

Change your thinking and you will change your life.

Go get 'em!

PS  If you need help to change your thinking about Face to Face Sales, then why not come to a session I am running as part of the Discover Casey-Cardina Expo this Saturday 9th October?  It won't cost you a cent and you will take home great tips, tools and techniques to Get More Face to Face Sales.  See you there!

Photo: Barbara Cannnela 

Do You Go To The Butcher For Bread?

Co Homa The Machan - That is Singhalese (Sri Lankan) for "Hello Good Friend".  Wifey and I are back from three fabulous weeks in Sri Lanka.  It was an amazing trip with far too much to tell in the Get more Goer, but there were some definite learnings to be had.

Most of our trip was spent with family.  Family are such wonderful people.  Sometimes they don't realise their kindness is killing you, or at least stifling you.  They love to save you from yourself and tell you how to live life or throw in a mixed message.  In Sri Lanka, food is love.  So every visit has a meal and you have to have two or three helpings.  Usually it came up in conversation afterwards how much I ate or how "big" I was.  EXACTLY what I wanted to hear!

Things are not that different in Australia.  When I first left the corporate world and set up my own business, my parents urged me to stay in the corporate world where the job was secure and the money was good.  They didn't say this to hold me back, it was said as a protective instinct.  They were fearful that I may struggle financially.  Frequently family are so protective of you or only want certain things because "they would be best for you".  Unknowingly, they can cause you additional distress.

My theory is, don't go to the butcher for bread.

What I mean is, you wouldn't get financial advice from someone on social security, you wouldn't get fitness tips from a chronically ill or unwell person, and you wouldn't take ethic lessons from a lifelong criminal, so pick who you turn to for support.  Sometimes your family is great for that and sometimes they aren't.  If your family have no experience as an exhibitor at a trade show or expo, how will they know what is "best practice"?  If your family have never sold services, how will they know the trick of the trade if that is what you are trying to do?  Sometimes you need a paid professional who will be brutally honest with you, sometimes you need a mastermind group to aid your progress and sometimes family CAN be of great assistance.

When you are next looking for support or resources for what you are trying to achieve, don't go to the butcher for bread!  Go to the leaders in that field.  Chances are much higher that they will have what you need.

What do you need?

What is All This About Climate Change?

You may have noticed that the weather has started to warm up.  Melbourne has had a very cold winter this year and many of us are excited about the prospect of temperatures above 15 degrees C!  But I noticed something during the cold spell.  Talking with friends they said, "It's been so cold I had to really turn up the heater."  Work environments almost had fights breaking out about how the heater needed to be turned up because it was too cold!!!

It got me thinking.

It seems more and more now that people expect a response on a larger scale.  I am too cold so I will turn up the heating in the entire house.  The office is too cold so increase the temperature of the entire office.  Our work culture is wrong so something has to change.  House prices are too high so the government should do something.  Something is wrong in the climate so the climate should change.

I strongly disagree.

I think if there is something wrong with the climate, then we need to change as individuals.  Ask yourself the question, what can I do about it?  If you are cold, put on warmer clothing.  If you don't like how things are done at your work place, change it (either the way it is done or your employer!).  It is time for personal responsibility.  What can we do as individuals that can impact our own personal climate?

You will find the change will happen quicker than if you waited for the larger scale response, and you can focus on what is really important in your life.

What changes can you make today?

Image: http://climatechange.dhigroup.com/ 

PS For those of you who based in Melbourne or who are in Melbourne on Tuesday 26th of October and want to find out how to give your next session some big change, come and visit me at Meeting Mart.  Tickets are free from the website and I will be exhibiting my wares as a Speaker and MC. For my Exhibiting clients, come and see how I do it and for my speaking clients, come and get some great resources from myself and others to make your next session fabulous.

When Was Your Last Holiday?

This blog comes to you while I am gallivanting around the Sri Lankan countryside.  I have left the computer at home and will be having three weeks to just relax.  But that is not the Australian way.  We call ourselves the "Lucky Country" and the image of going surfing, playing footy or just having a BBQ comes to mind when you think of Australian Lifestyle.

But research by the Australia Institute shows that Australia has that longest hours of work in the developed world.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that: 

Very long hours of work (50 hours or more per week) have become more common for full-time workers in the 20 years since 1985, particularly for men. In 2005, 30% of men working full-time worked 50 hours or more per week, up from 22% in 1985. Fewer women working full-time worked very long hours, with 16% working 50 hours or more per week in 2005, up from 9% in 1985. 

Personally, I have met people that wear their annual leave entitlement like a badge of honour!!  "I've got 200 days of annual leave owing! I haven't had a proper holiday for 15 years!!!"
That is INSANE!!!  You need rest and recreation because it is Re Creation.  It rebuilds yourself and restores your energy.  In Australia, we typically get four weeks of annual leave a year.  I believe you should have all four weeks in that year.  No matter how important you think you are, the place will not fall down without you!

So what about you?  How much leave do you have owing and when will you take your next holiday?

Enjoy!

People are Lovely!

Hi All


I find Marketing to be a delicate balance between telling people how damn good you are and humbly sharing the results you have been able to achieve.


In this vein, I wanted to share with you some lovely comments I received after MCing and speaking at a conference.  Here is what the lovely people said:

Why Would You Tear Them Down?

Last week wifey and I had 18 trees cut down out of our front and back yard.  It was not something we did lightly and it does prompt the question, "Why would you tear them down?

The majority of them were pine trees planted as a hedge over 20 years ago.  It was a great idea.  It gave extra privacy from the neighbours and passers by as well as some wind protection.  For the first couple of years they did their job well but over time, things changed.  The owners of the house got new tenants in who didn't prune the trees as they needed.  The larger trees dropped more needles.  The ground beneath the trees stopped growing lawn as it was starved for nutrients and sun light.  The path under the trees was not maintained and over grew with weeds and the trees grew so tall that they blocked nearly all the light from the northern sun.  With minimal light, moss started growing on the roof and on the path up to the front door making it slippery and unsafe in the wet.

What started as a great idea grew way out of control.

Have you ever seen this happen in the work place?  A system, process, work idea, project, guiding principle or cultural element of an organisation starts off well, has great intent and then becomes the nightmare of the business.  I have seen in many times.

Sometimes a "mild trim" is not enough, you have to rip it out at the roots and start again!

So wifey and I are now planning the redesign of the gardens including replant more suitable and more productive trees.

What about you?  What behemoths need to be torn down so fresh new ideas and practices can flourish?

Image: Warwick Merry 

Why Not?

Last week I said goodbye to an amazing friend of mine, Jen.  She has battled four different types of cancer over the last 10 years and it finally took its toll. Yes it is sad that she died, but let's face it - we are all going to die one day - so the reality is that it was inevitable.  What is more important was that she lived!

Jen was one of us mere mortals.  She was not a super star athlete, actress, model or other demi-god type of person.  She was an average everyday woman who put on her pants one leg at a time.  She had her demons like everyone else.  She had several husbands, a couple of kids, many jobs, a few retrenchments, and all the other fun stuff that comes with life.

But as her son so eloquently said at her funeral, she had a mantra for life that never failed her.  That mantra was "Why Not?"  

When she was told that she shouldn't drive her campervan around Australia on her own for almost two years she asked, Why Not?

When she was told that she couldn't beat the four different types of terminal cancer that she had over the years, she asked her doctors, Why Not?

When she was asked why she had purple streaks in her hair that changed all the time, she asked Why Not?

After some major surgery on her throat that left major scars, she stuck on some Frankenstein type bolts and went to a party. When people said, you can't dress like that she said, Why Not?

Too often we let the people who love us, who care about us, and sometimes who ARE us, stop us from doing things.  It is not safe, it is not natural, it is not normal, it is not socially acceptable, it is not what business people do, it is not what we should do, it is not how we should be seen, it will scare people away, it will attract too much attention, what if it doesn't work.....  You have heard all of the reasons.

The gift that Jen gave me was "Why Not".  I would love to pass it on to you.

When you are told you can't do something, simply ask "Why Not"?

Do You Look After Your Self?

I was suffering from Man Flu last week.  Men are always the last to know that they have it.  Luckily wifey was able to point it out to me.  It is when a man has a slight cold but they think it is the end of the world!!

Now I am not a believer in "Soldiering On".  I believe that when my body is ill I need to rest and let it get better.  Consequently I cancelled several business and social appointments.  Now I could have gone along but was just not worth it.  There was a slight chance I could have infected the person I was meeting (and depending on their air conditioning system, half of the people on their floor too!), I would have been foggy headed and not had my wits about me for the meeting and most importantly, my body would be straining to "Soldier On" and not simply recover.

So I stayed home, taking my hippy pills (horseradish, garlic and vitamin C) and let my body rest. Three days later and I was feeling fabulous.  Compare that to many who Soldier On and "just can't seem to shake it".

When you get ill, do you look after yourself?  Not just when you have a cold (or Man Flu) but also when you are grieving, distressed, or just need a doona day.  I am not saying we should all have a sick day. What I am saying is you HAVE to look after yourself and do what it takes to maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit.

How well do you look after yourself? 




Image: www.justonemore.info

It is Fantasy of Planning?

I bought some tickets in the Royal Melbourne Hospital Home Lottery last week.  It is not something I have done before.  Like many people, I will by a $2 or $5 raffle ticket here or there but it is rare to spend $100 or more on a ticket. I just figured I have 1 chance in 26 of winning a prize and 1 chance in 80,000 of winning the grand prize.  Those are far better odds than Tattslotto (1 chance in over 8 million) and the money goes to a good cause.

Discussing the prizes with Wifey, we started planning what we would do when we won the Aston Martin Vantage (she likes Aston Martins).  Which of the other cars would we sell, where would be park it, where would we drive it and that kind of thing.  It struck me, is it fantasy or is it good planning.

It's a bit of both really.  In the same way when you are planning a new business venture, you need to consider some of the finer points and put yourself in the position of achieving what you want.  It gets the mind ready for it and you will already know how to deal with the situation happening.  Yes it is a bit of fantasy, but it is planning for what your hard work will bring about.

Where do you need to do some more of this kind of planning?


Warwick


PS  Doesn't it look sweet??

Marketing via Humour

A friend just sent me this joke email
Instructions for a fun time on the interstate ... 

Step 1. Tie 3 balloons to your pickup truck...
Step 2. Drive like a bat out of a hell!
Step 3. Watch people freak out!!!

This is very funny.  Almost like a Warner Brothers cartoon funny.
But then I noticed the truck. NonStop Action.  I did a search but couldn't find further info about them, so lets play "What if"
What if "Nonstop Action" was a:

• TV Channel
• Paint Ball park
• Video game arcade
• Extreme sport agency
• Balloon manufacturer
• Event organiser

This simple idea of driving on the freeway/motorway/interstate with some unique balloons and some appropriate contact detail on the side of the car would definitely get you some attention.
A more detailed search has shown this to be the 2004 Cannes Lion Grand Prix Winner for Outdoor Advertising.  The company was indeed a TV Channel.
So what about you?  What can you tie to your car to attract attention?  Or maybe just stick to the side of the car, colour in the window, attach to your brief case, hang from your hand bag?
Use this award winning idea to come up with a funky idea to market yourself.
Let me know what you do!


Warwick Merry
The Get More Guy
www.warwickmerry.com

Do You Hear Voices?

Yesterday I was contemplating the old saying "The person who says something can't be done is usually interrupted by someone doing it."  I am not sure if it is a quote, saying, proverb or adage, but its meaning is true.

It may surprise you who the person is saying that it can't be done, it's you!!

I suspect you will be telling other people they can achieve their dreams but you may hold yourself back on your own.  Have you ever heard that little voice saying "Who are you to attempt this?", "There is no way you can do it", "What if it doesn't work", "Don't bit off more than you can chew", "Think of all the things you will have to do and you are not that lucky".

I know these voices because I have heard them a lot over the years.  But yesterday I was reminded of a fantasy I had years ago where I would be paid a lot of money to sing or play music.  It popped into my head as I was returning from singing at a sell out gig with my vocal group Mood Swing.  At the same gig where we were paid well and sold CD's as well.

What do you think is impossible for yourself?  What do you stop yourself from doing before you even get started?

It's time to change the voice in your head.

Photo Credit: Me! On stage looking at audience on the right

Challenge Update - Don't Put It Off!

So far so good.  


I have been drinking the water, doing the classes, doing push ups in the comfort of my own home and even doing extra exercise!!


Little observation though, skipping is way harder than I first thought.  I need to do an additional 1/2 hr of exercise each day so I thought I would do skipping.  Just step out the back and away you go.  After about 2 minutes I was ready to collapse!!  It is tough work.  It is a full on cardio work out and makes your calves hurt for days after.  I only got to 10 minutes and I had to stop.


One thing I will say is, don't put things off.  It is too easy to say, "I will do those push ups later, maybe after I get home from choir practice".  I knew if I put them off, they would not get done.  Plus I then got the benefit of knowing when I got home, I could just relax and not have to do stupid exercises.


You could say the same for things that come up every day.  It is so easy to say, "I'll call them later, I will email soon, I will do that after...."  It is usually not until the end of the day that you realise everything that you have put off is now teetering in a tower of to do notes right in front of you.  If a task will only take 5 minutes you are better off doing it now versus spending the same 5 minutes postponing it and scheduling time in your diary.


Still looking for the endorphin kick.  Let me know if you find any!


Enjoy


Warwick Merry
The Sweat More Guy!!

Need a Challenge?

Everyone loves a challenge (or so the saying goes).  I am just about to start the Step Into Life Winter Challenge.  Let me explain.....


First we need to back track a little.  Some of you may know that I am a generously proportioned individual (code for carries too much body fat).  What makes it worse is that I am not a fan of sport or exercise.  I know my lifestyle is very sedentary, but I just couldn't face a gym full of lycra covered beautiful people (and that's just the guys!).  A friend of mine, Super Steph, suggested I do Step Into Life which is group personal training outdoors.


So for the past 16 months I have been running around like an idiot at really early hours of the day because it is in the best interest of my body.  Apparently some endorphins will kick in soon and make me feel fantastic, but I am still waiting!!  As part of this foolishness (which also lets me talk for an hour and tell stupid jokes because I know the others are not going anywhere so I have a trapped audience) they have a Winter Challenge.


For 6 weeks we have to do extra things.  As much as I don't want to, I have to.  I know my body needs it and now I am part of the legendary team 4 and I don't want to let them down.
This weeks challenges are:

• Do an additional 30 mins of exercise every day (and that is not Jumping to Conclusions!)
• Be in bed by 10pm
• Drink 2 litres of water a day (this is tough so I use soda water - Bubbles! Yay)
• Do daily pushups starting at 10 and adding 5 every day.
• Turn up to the sessions I said I would

As you can see, it is not too challenging but when it is 4 degrees C you need a little something extra to get you up and going.


Want to join the challenge?  My theory is why suffer alone.  If you want to do something fabulous for yourself, join me on the challenge.  Just do the top 4 things every day and see how you go.


I'll keep you updated on my progress and I hope you let me know how you go too!


Enjoy!


Warwick

Should I be Committed?

For many years, people have said that I am crazy.  As I found watching Alice in Wonderland recently, all the best people are!  They say that I should be committed, but what they don't understand is that I already am.  Let me explain.


I love the saying, "In for a penny, in for a pound".  Quite simple, if you are going to do something, give it all you have.  So when a recent client said that their gala ball was Australian and Nez Zealand Icons, I couldn't just dress as the icon, I had to BE the icon.  I chose Dame Edna Everage.  This is how I looked.


 

The reality is it wasn't pretty.  A 190cm hairy bloke squeezed into a pink sequin and feather dress just isn't right!  I had trouble with the shoes so I made my own with aluminium foil, not pretty but effective!  They thought I was insane, but I wasn't, I was just committed to what the client wanted.  The client absolutely loved it!  None of their team will forget the event in a hurry, for a whole lot of reasons, one of which was the MC!


What about you?  Are you committed to what you want to achieve?  Do you focus on your goals and targets on a daily basis? Are you working towards getting you goals and not just setting them?  Do you throw yourself at life with abandon or just stick a toe in the water?


Life is to be lived.  I believe you need to squeeze the very last drop out of every day because it is not coming back again.  Maybe I am crazy.  I am definitely committed and I wouldn't have it any other way.  


How committed are you?

What Could You Do?

What a huge weekend!  Wifey and I spent four days bringing her new toy back from Queensland.  Her name is Candy, a 1965 Mustang Coupe and this is what she looks like.



Not bad for a 45 year old! (Candy, not wifey!)

Unfortunately, due to a miscalculation and an "interesting" fuel gauge, we ran out of fuel on the Hume!!  I got the job of walking back to the servo while Wifey stayed with Candy.  After 15 minutes of walking a car pulled over and the guy said, "My wife is with your wife and the 20 litre petrol I had in the boot".  It was a fabulous thing to hear!

About 100 vehicles had driven past.  Our car was obviously not going anywhere, wifey was resting on the boot waiting, so why did he stop when no one else did?  He was the only one to ask himself the question "What can I do?"  Everyone else could see we needed help but they took no action. 

What about you?  What signs or signals have you seen that you KNOW you need to act on but haven't?  Team members that need help, family members that need assistance, sales figures not being met, strangers that want the paper you have just finished with, projects that need attention - you KNOW what they need.

Take the action and reap the reward!

Lovin' your work!

Warwick

I Love You and Hate You!

Technology!  How it makes life so much better and brings additional pain we have never even thought of.


This Get More Goer is coming to you later than planned as my email system decided to be weird and not allow any password anymore.  Arrgh!!  So I have had my IT guy, Kaalgat (in South Africa) fixing it.  I really HATE it when technology lets me down.  


Having said that, I got a new HTC Desire mobile device which is fabulous!  I feel more in control than the iPhone but I have churned through a big chunk of my download allocation!!  I am probably not ready to say I LOVE it, but there is a solid admiration!!


It reminds me of the adage, "It is not what happens to you, but how you deal with it that counts."


Whether you Love or Hate the technology, colleague, family member, partner, friend, stranger, company, government or institution, it is how you deal with the situation that counts.


How well do you deal with it?

He Touched Me!

As some of your know I sing with Mood Swing - you can check out what we sound like on our facebook page (maybe become a fan?)  We were delighted to be part of the Get Vocal festival over the weekend.  As well as concerts, there were workshops for artists during the day.  A highlight for me was attending the workshop run by Tripod.  If you are not familiar with them check out one of my favourites of theirs on YouTube or their home page www.3pod.com.au


I had heard so many stories about meeting your hero's and being disappointed.  While I may not rank them as "Hero's" they are definitely people I admire and look up to.  As a speaker, trainer, coach, tradeshow guru, I am constantly trying to balance the entertainment, education, laughs and valuable resources mix.  I had a one on one chat with Scott (the one with glasses) who was very humble and gave me some great pointers.  He even touched me!!  Well...we shook hands.


It got me thinking, how do we really know how we positively affect people?  When we give to them, inspire them, lead them, love them, parent them, coach them, advise them, befriend them or even just talk with them?  You never know what impact you will have on those around you simply by sharing what you know and what you have.  There are people out there who are better off having been in contact with you.  They may even be thinking "(s)he touched me!"


Thanks for being such a cool you.  Keep it up.


Lovin' your work.

Image from http://www.facebook.com/3pod.com.au

Stop Whinging!

I was working at a trade show for three days last week and I was amazed at the high whinging level.  So many exhibitors would drone on:

"Why aren't there people here yet?"
"Why are there so many people here?" 
"How come I haven't made more sales?"
"The food here is pretty bad"
"We need more signage"

While some of them were valid questions, it was also an absolute waste of time.  For every subject they had a whinge about, there was something they could do about it but didn't.  For some reason it was not their responsibility but someone else's.  


I have what I call my two "Killer Questions" for every situation and they are:
1) What is my part in this?
and
2) What can I do differently?


Regardless of who is to blame, when I take responsibility for a situation, I am then empowered to take action. Taking action lifts my spirits, makes me more attractive to clients and moves me forward to where I want to be.


So how much do you whinge?


Enjoy!