Personal Development
Issue: May / June 2014

Are You an Email Addict?

By - May 25, 2014

When we think about addiction, the first things that usually come to people’s minds are things like drugs and alcohol, before we think of more benign things such as particular TV shows or chocolate. However, I’d like to challenge you to think about a somewhat insidious addiction of our modern age – addiction to email.... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: May / June 2014

Three Ways to Push Back Against Negative People

By - May 25, 2014

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up. – John C Maxwell The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: May / June 2014

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone for Success

By - May 25, 2014

It’s Sunday morning, I’m watching the London Marathon. For the first time I am in London watching the runners go by in all shapes, guises and different costumes! I’ve watched it on television many times and been amazed at the tenacity of all these people making the decision to run 26 miles to basically get... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: May / June 2014

Samoa – the Middle Months of Our Journey

By - May 25, 2014

Charles and I are in the middle months of our journey and it is so hard to believe that by the time you read this we will have been here 6 months with only 5 left to go. It is strange how time flies and at the same time, once you are settled somewhere, routine... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: May / June 2014

Owning Our Reactions

By - May 25, 2014

Imagine you have a phobia of mice. Now imagine you see a mouse cross the floor in front of you. You’ll probably emit a noise reflecting your terror and leap up on a convenient chair. Does this mean that mice are dangerous? Clearly not. Mice are just harmless furry creatures. You perceive them to be... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Tips to Build Your Confidence and Career

By - March 25, 2014

A new report from CBI/Accenture report stated that 51% of firms expect their workforce to be larger this time next year, the highest figure since the start of the recession in 2008. With more jobs being created and economic growth, 2014 could prove a fresh start for many people who have been considering a new... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Samoa – After Three Months

By - March 25, 2014

When I last wrote we had been here only a very few weeks. We have now been through Christmas, New Year and are well into our third month. Things that seemed new and strange have become normal and, in fact, the time we are due to be here is running by at great speed, which... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Unwinding Bad Habits (and Other Feeling-driven Behaviours)

By - March 25, 2014

In my previous article in this magazine, I talked about the benefits of accepting uncomfortable, or unproductive, feelings or desires. I pointed out that when we resist (have negative thoughts about), or try to avoid, such feelings, it generally makes them worse. We can become anxious about feeling anxious or depressed about feeling depressed. Other... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Making Decisions

By - January 25, 2014

For some people, making a decision is easy. Well, it certainly seems that way. They weigh up the situation, look at the alternatives and then they make a considered judgement after taking all relevant points into account. Such a decision might be to change jobs, choose a partner, rent a house, book a holiday or... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Impressions from a Volunteer – Apia, Samoa

By - January 25, 2014

Charles and I have been living in Apia, Samoa since 18 November 2013. We are loaded with first impressions and at this stage we are really enjoying it. We know some harder times are coming as our decision has separated us from our family at Christmas time and we have missed the birth of our... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Accepting Feelings

By - January 25, 2014

In a recent article in this magazine, I pointed out that whenever we have a negative thought, we’re either wanting something that’s happened not to have happened or we’re wanting a situation that exists right now not to exist right now. In other words we’re wanting something to be “already” different. The only exception is... Read more »
resolution
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

A Different Kind of Resolution

By - January 1, 2014

Happy New Year! So Christmas and New Year are over, leaving in their wake a trail of pesky resolutions. Let's change the focus suggests Jessica McGregor Johnson
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Five Strategies to Achieve Your Goals

By - November 25, 2013

Even when you’ve set a “good” goal – one that adheres to your higher objective and is specific and measurable – you can run into some issues along the way: namely, staying motivated. Without motivation, even the most ambitious person will get sidetracked. Here are the strategies that I feel will keep you on track... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

What Will Be Your Legacy?

By - November 25, 2013

I have an indelible memory of being ten years old. I was talking with Mom (named Ruth) about what I would be “when I grew up”. This was during my doctor, model or stewardess phase. (We didn’t know about “flight attendants” yet.) Mom’s response was not what I expected. She said, “Leave the world better... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Accepting What Is

By - November 25, 2013

I probably shouldn’t begin an article by offending all my readers, but I have to tell you the truth. You’re crazy. In fact, with a few rare exceptions, we’re all crazy. Let me explain. Every time we have a negative thought such as dissatisfaction, disappointment, regret, irritation or blame, we’re always wanting something that’s happened... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

“Sit at the Table”

By - November 25, 2013

Every year, I challenge myself to read a couple of career-minded books. I enjoy the learning process and am always looking for ways to step outside of my comfort zone, to expand myself personally and professionally. This year’s book of choice was Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook. She is ranked... Read more »