Appreciate The Little Things

How often do you take the time to appreciate the little things in life?

If you woke up this morning, had you coffee or tea, spoke with those with you do life, then appreciate these small, but important events.

Often, we are so busy doing life, we forget that we are human ‘beings’. We long to ‘be’ – loving, living, enjoying, appreciating. However, life happens, and too often, all we do is go-through-the-motions of existing.

If you didn’t do some things, what catastrophe would occur? If you didn’t wash for one day, or didn’t check your email 20 times a day but shut the system for a day to spend with others, or rake time for yourself? These are questions I ask myself. With social media, taking on N-F-P roles, and daily tasks around the home, it’s easy to be 24/7 connected and have information overload.

Today, what action can you take to ‘be’ instead of ‘doing’?

Something to reflect on.

How do we communicate effectively?

How important is communication? The dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior”, “a verbal or written message”, and “a technique for expressing ideas effectively”.

Communication is an essential skill, not only in your personal and community relationships but also in your workplace.  Do you stop and truly listen to those around you?  If you remain quiet and listen to what your colleagues and work friends talk about, it may surprise you that communication, or lack of it, is often referred to.

How can communication in the workplace improve?  If you are an employer, director, manager, supervisor, or team leader, make time in your diary to ensure you meet with your staff/team.  Don’t talk down to them, ask them questions about how they view the company/business/organization, ask them how they view communication between the different areas of the business.  You may choose to do this individually, in small teams, or as a whole group.  Note, however, that some people will not engage if they feel threatened.  If people in your organization are not engaging in the conversation, it may take some time to build a relationship where they feel they can speak without fear of losing their job.

We do not know what all our team members are going through outside of the workplace, sometimes managers and supervisors are unaware of what’s happening in the workplace. You need to be listening, aware, and taking note of your team and how they interact with you and each other.

The skill of communication doesn’t just apply to the workplace.  It applies to all areas of our life – family, friends, marriage, relationships, social interactions.  The ability to communicate well, not just hear noise, but listen with intention, and engage in meaningful conversation assists you in understanding your partner, children, and colleagues much better.

How do we communicate effectively?  Listen – don’t just hear what you want to hear, don’t just hear the ‘noise’ people make; really listen to what is being said. Lead by example – if you want to improve communication, then show how; read about how to improve and practice by action. Learn – accept criticism and correction. 

Be Intentional

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘intentional’? 

Do you think, being purposeful, or taking a deliberate action that lines up with your beliefs, and values?

Many people have heard or read the verse from Proverbs 16:3, which states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

One passage that has been important to me is from Philippians 4:6-7, which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If we are not intentional then we simply flounder, make sub-standard decisions that cause distress to those around us, and make a mark against our character.

Being intentional, as stated in the dictionary, says “done with intention or on purpose”.

So, what does this mean for you and me? Are we intentional? Does what we do matter?  I believe that being intentional is important.  We should be intentional in our faith, friendships, relationships, workplaces, and aspects such as communication, kindness, work ethic, and mental and physical health.

Each moment being positively intentional adds up to create an affirmative outcome.  Do you commit your time wisely in undertaking your work, whether paid or voluntary, to achieve a productive outcome that benefits the business or organization? Do you use and plan well with available resources (staff, volunteers, products, equipment) to achieve the best result possible?

If we seek to be intentional, then first commit to becoming:

·        Wise in our planning,

·        Communicate with clarity and encouragement,

·        Meet deadlines and reporting timelines,

·        Be accountable,

·        Be kind.

Prayer, Plan, Prepare

 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:29 NIV

"Prayer, plan, prepare" emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the Lord, creating a strategy, and taking action to achieve a desired outcome. It can be a helpful reminder for those looking to accomplish personal or professional goals.

Here are some ways to apply "Prayer, plan, prepare" in your daily work process.

Prayer: Start by seeking inspiration and guidance from reading Scripture, reflecting, and spending time with the Lord in conversation.

Plan: Once you have gathered inspiration and guidance, create a plan that outlines your goals, the scope of your article, event, or project, and the timeline. Consider real factors such as budget, resources, and any potential challenges that may arise.

Prepare: With a plan in place, it's time to act. Begin by preparing the necessary materials and resources and start executing your plan. Be open to adjusting as needed and remember to stay focused on your goal.

By applying "Prayer, plan, prepare" to your strategy, you can create a focused and intentional approach that helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

One way to incorporate "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your design process is to:

• Begin with a prayer to seek guidance and inspiration from the Lord,
• Create a plan that outlines your design goals, the scope of your project, and the timeline,
• Prepare by gathering the necessary resources and materials,
• Execute your plan with focus and intention, while remaining open to adjusting as needed,
• Continuously seek guidance through prayer and reflection throughout the design process, to ensure that your outcome is aligned with your values and intentions.

Remember, competent, creative processes require both inspiration and strategy.

By incorporating "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your approach, you can ensure outcomes that are both meaningful and effective.

 

Designing A Workspace that Inspires both Work and Passion

 Do you see your business or job solely as a means of generating income, or do you view it as a pursuit of your passion? 

This is a critical question to consider when it comes to designing a workspace that is both functional and inspiring. A workspace that is purely functional may not provide the level of motivation and creativity necessary for pursuing a passion, while a workspace that is solely designed for aesthetics may not be practical for generating income.

If you have clients presenting to your premises, is the workspace functional, tidy, welcoming, or cluttered, disorganized, and uninviting?

If your business is online, what do people see behind you as you communicate with them? Tasteful, inspiring backgrounds or chaotic, muddled piles and paperwork?

Therefore, balancing functionality and creativity is essential to creating a workspace that is conducive to both work and passion. Whether you are generating an income, studying, assisting Not-For-Profit organizations, or paying the household accounts, having a workspace that is inspiring and welcoming will help to ensure productivity rather than procrastination.

Here are a few ideas to achieve this balance:

• Incorporate natural light to brighten up your workspace and improve both your mood and those who attend to the office.

• Add plants to create a calming atmosphere that promotes focus and creativity.

• Utilize colours that promote productivity such as green, blue, and orange.

• Personalize your workspace with items that inspire creativity and motivation.

In the end, the goal is to create a workspace that supports all aspects of your work, whether it's generating income or pursuing your passion.