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	<title>Less Ordinary Living &#187; Satisfaction</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/tag/satisfaction/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com</link>
	<description>Live Life to the Full</description>
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		<title>What we can learn from children</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/what-we-can-learn-from-children/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/what-we-can-learn-from-children/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:12:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Role Models]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/?p=364</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Five things children can teach us about being happier and more successful.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-inspiration-all-around/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Finding Inspiration All Around'>Finding Inspiration All Around</a> <small>The inspiration to live life to the full and make...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/spring-clean-your-mind/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spring Clean your Mind'>Spring Clean your Mind</a> <small>Feel fresher, sharper and more focused this spring....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1'>In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1</a> <small>What is happiness and how do we find it? First...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“<em>You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance</em>.” Franklin P Jones</p>
<div id="attachment_367" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/big-fun.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-367 " title="What we can learn from children" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/big-fun-300x225.jpg" alt="Career Coaching, career transition, find work you love, do what you love, enjoy work" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Big fun!</p></div>
<p><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LessOrdinaryLiving&amp;amp;loc=en_US" target="_blank">If you enjoyed this article, click here to subscribe and never miss a post.</a> Reading time for this article: 2 minutes 48 seconds.</p>
<p><strong>Children – our future and our past.  <span style="font-weight: normal;">We’ve all been a child, and many of us will also raise one.</span></strong></p>
<p>As an adult, it’s easy to assume that this grown up, rational state we inhabit now is superior.  Yet, spend any time with children and you remember that kids have a lot to teach us.</p>
<p><strong>1. </strong><strong>Have more fun</strong></p>
<p><strong>Spend any time hanging out with a 2 year old and you’ll realist that they like to have fun.</strong></p>
<p>It’s joyful to paint all over the kitchen table, roll around laughing at the funny cow in a can noise thing, climb through a play tunnel for hours, hide behind the door and play peek-a-boo.  In fact it’s a laugh riot.</p>
<p><strong>Somewhere in the Laws of Adult, most of these games become verboten.</strong> We have to suppress our emotions, act stiff and try to protect our dignity.  Sure we can laugh at other people, preferably behind their backs.  However, good old fashioned innocent fun and play is banned.</p>
<p>I’ve spent a lot more time playing recently – just throwing out dumb word association games, dancing around singing into a hairbrush, a spot of tickling here and there.  <strong>Try it out for yourself – fight back against the fun ban!</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>2. </strong><strong>You are allowed to daydream</strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Grown ups rarely daydream.</strong> The adult world considers them to be naively hilarious and a sign of weakness.  Here is what often happens when an adult shares their burning dream:</p>
<p>Person A: I<em>’ve always dreamt of being a polar explorer and I think I’m going to go after it</em></p>
<p>Person B: <em>Snigger.  Good luck with that – send my love to the polar bears.  See you back in the cube farm next week.</em></p>
<p><strong>Dreaming is seen as childish and foolish.  Wasting time going after doing what you really want when you could be getting on with your serious, boring adult life.</strong></p>
<p>Children love to dream.  They use their imagination and create amazing possibilities.</p>
<p>Dreaming is a healthy way of stretching ourselves.  It gives us a roadmap for making the life we want.  <strong>Reconnect to what makes you excited.</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>3. </strong><strong>The world is infinitely fascinating</strong></span></strong></p>
<p>I was probably the world’s most annoying child.  I fired out questions like a machine gun to anyone in range.  “What’s that called?”, “How does that work?”, “Why did that person say that?”, “Where are my Christmas presents hidden?” etc.   <strong>Children stare in wild-eyed wonder at the world and want to know all about it. </strong></p>
<p><strong>As adults we are told that we should be very clever and already understand everything.</strong> There is a stigma about asking too many questions – we might show our weakness, reveal some ignorance, people might think less of us.  Horrors.</p>
<p>As we stop asking questions and getting stuck on the <a href="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/get-off-the-hamster-wheel/" target="_blank">hamster wheel of life,</a> the world around us can lose its sparkle and appear mundane.  We take the amazing people and things around us for granted.</p>
<p><strong>See what happens when you start to be more interested in the world around you and engage with it.</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>4. </strong><strong>You can express your emotions</strong></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>When a child is upset, you know about it.  No wait, you KNOW about it.</strong> Same when they are happy, joyful, bored, angry, afraid.  Bottling up emotions is simply not an option.  When a child feels something, they tell the world.</p>
<p><strong>The adult world teaches us that suppressing our emotions is important.  We shouldn’t inflict our feelings on others.</strong> Better to keep them locked up and spend time brooding over them.  Or suppress our natural joy over something in case we make a fool of ourselves.  Frankly a lot of the time, this leads to unnecessary suffering when simply expressing ourselves would be the better option.</p>
<p>Learning to express our emotions effectively is important.  I’ve really worked on understanding my feelings and being able to put them into words and actions.  <strong>Letting them out into the world as they arise has taken a huge amount of weight off me and I feel lighter for it.</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>5. </strong><strong>You should live in the moment</strong></span></strong></p>
<p>Children are born with very little conception of time.  <strong>When you’re young, your only concern is what is happening right now at this very moment.  The past is quickly forgotten, and the future is of no importance. </strong></p>
<p>When children play, they are absolutely absorbed in the game.  Just watch for a minute or two  &#8211; eyes wide open, face alert and active, attention unwavering on what is unfolding.  <strong>Kids are mini Zen-masters.</strong></p>
<p>We are taught to analyze everything, to pore over the past for what we did wrong, and to constantly be setting out a better future for ourselves.  How often do you really live in the moment as an adult?  Try it and see how different the world looks.</p>
<p><strong>Release your inner child</strong></p>
<p><em>I know that I learn a huge amount when I let my inner child out to play.and try these things  It keeps me open to learning, joy, curiosity, authenticity.  I get back into living in the moment. </em></p>
<p><strong>Over to you</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>How do you connect to you inner child?  What do you learn from doing so?  If you have children, what have they taught you?  What would happen if you spent the day living like a child?</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong>Further reading</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://whynotstartnow.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/meaning-mondays-the-purposelessness-edition/" target="_blank">Patty at Why Not Start Now on how to play more</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ArvindDevalia.com/blog/2010/03/05/why-laughter-is-the-first-medicine-you-should-take/" target="_blank">Arvind Devalia on why we should laugh more</a></p>
<p>Photo credit : <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16961193@N06/2267862256/" target="_blank">Ernst Moeksis on Flickr</a></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-inspiration-all-around/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Finding Inspiration All Around'>Finding Inspiration All Around</a> <small>The inspiration to live life to the full and make...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/spring-clean-your-mind/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spring Clean your Mind'>Spring Clean your Mind</a> <small>Feel fresher, sharper and more focused this spring....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1'>In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1</a> <small>What is happiness and how do we find it? First...</small></li>
</ol></p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Make a Living doing what you Love</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/how-to-make-a-living-doing-what-you-love/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/how-to-make-a-living-doing-what-you-love/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:37:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career transition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[possibility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/?p=332</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How can you make a living doing what you love?  9 simple steps to start living your passion every day.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/how-to-think-big-for-your-life-and-career-%e2%80%93-5-lessons-from-rudyard-kipling/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to Think Big for your Life and Career – 5 lessons from Rudyard Kipling'>How to Think Big for your Life and Career – 5 lessons from Rudyard Kipling</a> <small>Thinking Big about your life and Career can bring challenges....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/think-big-%e2%80%93-four-steps-to-get-unstuck-and-start-living-life-to-the-full/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Think Big – Four Steps to get unstuck and start living life to the full'>Think Big – Four Steps to get unstuck and start living life to the full</a> <small>Four steps to get unstuck and fulfill your potential...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/thinking-big-%e2%80%93-the-story-of-the-orchard/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thinking Big – The Story of the Orchard'>Thinking Big – The Story of the Orchard</a> <small>This is a story about what happens when you think...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Reading Time: 2 minutes 48 seconds</strong></p>
<p><strong></p>
<div id="attachment_333" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 235px"><a href="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/chef.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-333" title="Do what you love" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/chef-225x300.jpg" alt="How to make a living from your passion" width="225" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Do what you love?</p></div>
<p></strong></p>
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<p>I’ve developed a sick fascination with the British TV show <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t1k5" target="_blank">Masterchef</a>.   In the show 156 aspiring amateur chefs compete for the title of “Masterchef”.  They cook for two judges, an angry bald man and an equally irate Aussie who critique their food and slowly kill their dreams, one by one.</p>
<p><strong>The Impossible Dream</strong></p>
<p>My fascination is not with the food (although the contestant who cooked a tinned peach and tomato bread pudding was pretty special).  It lies with the contestants.  In reality TV, the head-shot is a vital tool for every director.   <em><strong>This is where we hear the ambition, the motivation, the dream.  Here are a few from the series so far</strong></em>:</p>
<p>“<em>I do know what I want to do in life now, my passion is food.  My dream is to run a restaurant in the Scottish Highlands</em>” Andrew (Property Developer)</p>
<p>“<em>I want my life to be completely about food.  I want to do it full time.</em>” Kirstie (Real Estate Broker)</p>
<p>“<em>I’m very passionate about food – its been a hobby up until know and Masterchef will allow me to move it forward</em>” Peter (Police Officer)</p>
<p>“<em>I love cooking and to do that for a living would be a dream.  Masterchef means everything to me</em>” Kerry (Full-time Mum)</p>
<p>Almost every contestant is hoping to make a living from cooking.  I love their passion for food and their huge dreams.  They put their heart and soul into this competition.  Yet at every turn, these lifelong ambitions are crushed.  Only one can be crowned Masterchef.</p>
<p><strong>That Makes Me Mad</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The show makes me angry.  When I hear contestant after contestant laying out their dream for a career in cooking I seethe.  “What’s stopping you?” I scream at the screen.  “Just go and do it”.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>9 ways to explore your Passion</strong></p>
<p>There are many ways to start making a living doing what you love.  I don’t think that entering a competition with a 1 in 156 chance of winning and no guarantees of success at the end is the best way.</p>
<p><strong><em>So how could these contestants go about making a living from their passion?  The answer is one step at a time</em></strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Do what you love – a lot. </strong>Cook, cook, cook for anyone and everyone.  Practice the skill you want to make a living from as much as possible</li>
<li><strong>Develop your skills.</strong> Go to cookery school.  Learn the basic techniques and advanced skills.  Hone your style, and practice some more.</li>
<li><strong>Join groups that share your passion.</strong> Find others who love food and build networks with them.</li>
<li><strong>Interview people who already make a living from your passion.</strong> Start talking to restaurant owners and chefs.  Learn about the profession from those already in it.  Understand what you are committing to.</li>
<li><strong>Get experience.</strong> Look for an opportunity to cook in a professional kitchen.  Volunteer to clean dishes for free.  Be a sous chef and chop onions all day.  Get into the lion’s den to see what life is really like.</li>
<li><strong>Establish your expertise.</strong> Blog about food – share your passion with the world and get a following</li>
<li><strong>Take small steps to make money.</strong> Write a cookbook and sell it online – find a way to make a small living in a risk free way from food</li>
<li><strong>Write a business plan</strong> – look at the financial realities of being a cook or owning a restaurant and see how that fits with your other values in life.  Get experts and your network to review the plan.</li>
<li><strong>Start increasing your commitment.</strong> Set up a street stand to sell food, or take a part-time job in a kitchen</li>
</ol>
<p>None of these actions are too difficult in themselves, yet combined they will help to live the passion.  Following these steps would allow the contestants to test out if this really is the dream they were looking for, and build the skills and experience to succeed.</p>
<p>If you are ready in making a doing what you love, think about how these steps might work for you.  You can start taking action to explore the possibilities and start making the dream a reality.</p>
<p><strong><em>What is your passion in life?  What would it mean to make a living from it?  What advice can you share on making this happen?  Please share your thoughts with the LoL Community.  Thank you.</em></strong></p>
<p>Picture credit : <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyhunter/128677998/" target="_blank">Tracy Hunter (Flickr Creative Commons)</a></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/how-to-think-big-for-your-life-and-career-%e2%80%93-5-lessons-from-rudyard-kipling/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to Think Big for your Life and Career – 5 lessons from Rudyard Kipling'>How to Think Big for your Life and Career – 5 lessons from Rudyard Kipling</a> <small>Thinking Big about your life and Career can bring challenges....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/think-big-%e2%80%93-four-steps-to-get-unstuck-and-start-living-life-to-the-full/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Think Big – Four Steps to get unstuck and start living life to the full'>Think Big – Four Steps to get unstuck and start living life to the full</a> <small>Four steps to get unstuck and fulfill your potential...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/thinking-big-%e2%80%93-the-story-of-the-orchard/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thinking Big – The Story of the Orchard'>Thinking Big – The Story of the Orchard</a> <small>This is a story about what happens when you think...</small></li>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Making 2010 Your Best Year Yet – What are you Grateful for?</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/making-2010-your-best-year-yet-%e2%80%93-what-are-you-grateful-for/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/making-2010-your-best-year-yet-%e2%80%93-what-are-you-grateful-for/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:02:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Extraordinary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Make the most of 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[possibility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[What are you grateful for from 2009?  Share your gratitude with the world as we prepare for the next decade.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Reading time: 1 minute 34 seconds<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-252" title="Gratitude" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Gratitude-300x199.jpg" alt="Gratitude" width="300" height="199" /><br />
</strong></p>
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<p>2009 is getting its coat, heading for the door and bidding us a fond farewell.  It’s been an interesting year for the world, seeing some challenging economic times and big questions about the future of our planet.   For me, the end of the year is a time to reflect on what has been, and to think about what could be in the future.</p>
<p>For me, this has been a year of change.  I’ve moved back to the UK from the US, gone from steady employment to setting up a new business, got used to working at home rather than in an office.  There have been challenges – being terrified of having no clients and no income at the start of the year, adjusting to a different lifestyle in a different country, learning to set boundaries and look after myself better.</p>
<p>Yet on reflection it’s been a wonderful journey and there is a lot I’m grateful for.  I’ve worked with some amazing clients who have made major changes in their life.  I’ve managed to volunteer my time advising some inspiring social entrepreneurs.  I’ve set up a blog read by over 7,000 people (so far – thank you!).  I’ve developed some new skills, particularly around managing my emotions and thoughts more effectively.  Most importantly, overcoming some of the challenges has strengthened my bonds with the most important people in my life.  For all this I’m profoundly grateful for the last year.</p>
<p>So before 2009 gets into a cab and waves goodbye, take a minute or two to reflect on your year:</p>
<ul>
<li>What did you achieve this year?</li>
<li>What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?</li>
<li>What did you learn this year?</li>
<li>Most importantly, what are you grateful for (things, people, events) from 2009?</li>
</ul>
<p>I’d love to hear what you are grateful for from 2009, so please do share a comment.  The next post will focus on making 2010 your Best Year Yet.</p>


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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>In Search of Happiness –7 Ways to Boost Happiness Today</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-%e2%80%937-ways-to-boost-happiness-today/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-%e2%80%937-ways-to-boost-happiness-today/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:45:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Seven sure-fire ways to bring some happiness into your life today.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1'>In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1</a> <small>What is happiness and how do we find it? First...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-focus-%e2%80%93-my-3-steps-to-productivity-and-happiness/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Finding Focus – My 3 Steps to Productivity and Happiness'>Finding Focus – My 3 Steps to Productivity and Happiness</a> <small>Finding focus can help us to be happier and more...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Reading time : 1 minute and 14 seconds </strong></p>
<p>Here are 7 sure-fire ways to bring a little happiness into your life right now and beat the autumn gloom.</p>
<p><strong>1) </strong><strong>Re-connect with an old friend<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></p>
<p>Pick up the phone and call a close friend who you haven’t spoken with for a while.  Let them know that you’ve missed them and find out what is going on in their life.  See what you can do to help them along life’s path.</p>
<p><strong>2) </strong><strong>Try something new</strong></p>
<p>What has been on your wish list for an eternity?  Pick an activity or subject you’d like to explore and take the first step in making it happen.  Sign up for a yoga course, get a book on Greek cookery from the library and try a recipe, join the local tennis league.  Start something juicy and exciting.</p>
<p><strong>3) </strong><strong>Pamper yourself</strong></p>
<p>Taking care of yourself is vital to your happiness.  Set aside some “me” time to do something you really love.  Book a massage, hide out and read a book, buy a new pair of shoes.  Treat yourself – because you’re worth it.</p>
<p><strong>4) </strong><strong>Smile more</strong></p>
<p>The simple act of smiling is one of the most powerful ways to get a happiness boost.  Smiling helps us to stick to Rule Number 6 (don’t take yourself too seriously).  Practice a smile right now and try to keep them coming.  If all else fails, stick on your headphones and listen to your favourite tune – have a rock out and put a smile on your face for 5 minutes.</p>
<p><strong>5) </strong><strong>Help someone out</strong></p>
<p>Help someone in need without bidding or any expectation of reward.  It might be standing up for someone who needs a seat on the bus, volunteering in a community project, or even just taking the time to listen to someone who needs it.</p>
<p><strong>6) Plan an event</strong></p>
<p>What do you love to do and who do you love to do it with?  Do you need to organise a break with family, friends or your loved one?  Are your favourite band in town next month?  Can you book a trip to the opera with your best friend?  Identify something you’d love to do over the next month or two and organise it now.</p>
<p><strong>7) Set goals for the rest of the year</strong></p>
<p>Now we’re into September there are three months left in the grand old year of 2009.  Take out a business card, turn it over and write down the 2 or 3 most important things you’d like to achieve this year on the back.  Be specific about what you’d like to do.  Carry the card with you in your wallet to remind you of your commitments.</p>
<p><strong>You can complete any of these steps today and none need take more than an hour.  What are you waiting for?</strong></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1'>In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1</a> <small>What is happiness and how do we find it? First...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-focus-%e2%80%93-my-3-steps-to-productivity-and-happiness/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Finding Focus – My 3 Steps to Productivity and Happiness'>Finding Focus – My 3 Steps to Productivity and Happiness</a> <small>Finding focus can help us to be happier and more...</small></li>
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		<title>In Search of Happiness &#8211; Part 1</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/in-search-of-happiness-part-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:04:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Extraordinary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[What is happiness and how do we find it?  First in a series exploring how to live life to the full and find a better quality of life.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_168" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-168" title="Happiness" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/happiness1-150x150.jpg" alt="Happiness" width="150" height="150" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Happiness</p></div>
<p><strong>In Search of Happiness – Part 1</strong></p>
<p><strong>Reading time : 1 minute and 27 seconds</strong></p>
<p>Here at Less Ordinary Towers, we never shirk from the biggest, hairiest questions.  As we hit September and that back to school feeling kicks in, we’re taking on one of the biggest of them all – what is happiness?  We’ll start the ball rolling by looking at one view from the world of positive psychology and suggesting some reading to back this up.  We’d love to hear from you, our valued reader, on how you find happiness and what it means in your life, so please take a minute to comment.</p>
<p>Happiness is a tricky thing to pin down and has kept philosophers on their toes for millennia.  One theory that has helped my understanding was developed by Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, the positive psychologist at Harvard.  He proposes that the feeling of happiness is really the product of feedback from our emotions.  Emotions help us to assess the way we are leading our lives.  Ben-Shahar believes that happiness is not some ideal state of bliss to aim towards, it is simply how we are feeling at any moment and can change quickly.  So what contributes to how happy we feel?</p>
<p>Ben-Shahar outlines that happiness is composed of two parts:</p>
<p>The first is <strong>pleasure</strong>.  Pleasure is the immediate short-term joy brought from doing things that make us feel good.  Finding pleasure involves living each day in a way that brings joy and excitement.  Pleasure encourages the carpe diem school of life – you only get one bit of the cherry.  It is about enjoying the journey and finding happiness every day.</p>
<p>The second part of happiness is <strong>purpose</strong>.  Purpose is the long term planning and actions that bring a feeling of fulfilment in life.  Living with purpose is about creating a vision and goals, doing the hard work, learning, overcoming obstacles and achieving our objectives.  The emotional pay-back of reaching our stated goals, of making a difference in the world and doing something truly meaningful brings us a sense of happiness.</p>
<p>Of course these two components are often difficult to combine.  In the first few months of this year, I found myself overwhelmed by the prospect of building a new business from scratch and focused all my energy into working very hard to develop long-term plans.  I wasn’t making the most of each day or looking after myself well.  In retrospect, I was stressed and unhappy.  Despite being very purposeful and marching up the mountain towards my long-term goals at warp speed, I forgot to stop and enjoy the view.</p>
<p>Ben-Shahar proposes that our level of happiness stems from our ability to create a life that allows both short-term pleasure and long-term purpose.  In the second half of this year, I’ve spent a lot of time identifying what brings me joy and makes me feel healthy in the short term – spending time with family, running, being outside and meditating.  I’ve slowed down and brought more of these things in daily life.  Although hard to maintain, I’ve felt much happier as I’ve found a balance of pleasure and purpose in my life.</p>
<p>Ben-Shahar’s theory of happiness is one of many contributions from the world of positive psychology in the search for happiness.  If you’re interested in reading more, we recommend the following as starting points:</p>
<p>Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar</p>
<p>Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert</p>
<p><a href="http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx">http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx</a> &#8211; The Website of Martin Seligman with many interactive tests about happiness and fulfillment</p>


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		<title>Finding Focus – My 3 Steps to Productivity and Happiness</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-focus-%e2%80%93-my-3-steps-to-productivity-and-happiness/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/finding-focus-%e2%80%93-my-3-steps-to-productivity-and-happiness/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:26:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Phil</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/?p=138</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Finding focus can help us to be happier and more productive.  When I found myself feeling scattered, I took 3 simple steps to start refocussing.  Try them for yourself and make September a great month.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/find-your-focus-the-power-of-now/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Find your Focus &#8211; The Power of Now'>Find your Focus &#8211; The Power of Now</a> <small>Find your focus and unleash your true potential in 2010....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/six-steps-to-stress-free-productivity/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Six steps to Stress-free Productivity'>Six steps to Stress-free Productivity</a> <small>How to stay on top of your task list, prioritise...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/find-your-focus-in-2010-%e2%80%93-feel-the-fear-and-do-it-anyway/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Find your Focus in 2010 – Feel the Fear and Do it anyway'>Find your Focus in 2010 – Feel the Fear and Do it anyway</a> <small>3 practical steps to beat procrastination, overcome fear and be...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Reading time: 1 minute and 30 seconds </strong></p>
<p>“<em>Concentrate all your thoughts on the work at hand – the sun rays do not burn until brought to a focus</em>” – Alexander Graham Bell</p>
<p>So August is nearly over already – where did it go?  Here at Less Ordinary Towers, we try not to take ourselves too seriously, however the last month has been  a little hectic.  Between blogging, building up my coaching practice, visiting family and friends, filing taxes and various other excitements it feels like I haven’t stopped.</p>
<p>Yesterday, I caught myself babbling away to my lovely wife without taking a breath, and realized that I was wound up like an over-tuned guitar string.  My thoughts were in 5 billion different places at once.  It was time for me to slow down, take a breath and find focus.  For me, focus means being able to concentrate all of my energy and attention on the most important things in my life. It is the state when I’m at my best – productive, energised and happy.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px none initial;" title="Focus" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Focus-150x150.jpg" alt="Finding focus" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>Leading psychologist Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi is an expert on focus and has developed the theory of “flow”.  He defines the state of “flow” as when a person is completely in the zone, absorbed in what they are doing and hugely productive.  His research has found a correlation between the feeling of being in “flow” with feeling happier, more satisfied and more creative.  If you’re interested in finding out more this theory and hearing him speak, follow this link:</p>
<p><a title="Talk on flow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs</a></p>
<p>All well and good, but with so much going on, how could I start to refocus?  The first thing I did was to <strong>slow down a little</strong>.  I stated to think for an extra second before acting, walk half a pace more slowly and to pay more attention to the world around me.  Although simple, this started to take away the fraught feelings I had.  Slowing down helped me to feel more in control and to calm the thoughts that had been racing in my head.</p>
<p>The second thing was to take a few quiet minutes to step back and <strong>look at the big picture</strong>.  I reaffirmed my highest priorities – being a great husband, taking care of myself and helping others to make the most of their lives.  Having done this, I looked at my (massive) to do list with fresh eyes.  It helped me to pick out a few key activities that were most important and to focus on those.  I ended up crossing out a lot of the small annoying things that had been preying on my mind.</p>
<p>Last, yesterday <strong>I implemented my first “power hour”</strong>.  I picked the most important task that I wanted to achieve, went to my favourite place (the local coffee shop), and turned off all distractions (phone, internet, email).  I set a timer on my watch for 50 minutes and gave absolute focus to the work in hand.  It was amazing how much I achieved.  I finished the hour by rewarding myself with a 10 minute session listening to a couple of my favourite tunes and sipping a latte.  Bliss!</p>
<p>Making these simple changes has helped me to unwind, stop taking myself so seriously and feel much more focussed.  As September rolls around, think about what you need to focus on over the next few months.  Try slowing down, looking at the big picture or taking a daily “power hour” yourself.</p>
<p>We love your comments, so please let us know what you do to find focus, or how slowing down and taking a power hour has helped you.  Also, if you enjoyed this article, please do a good deed and share it with a friend or family member who might appreciate it.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/find-your-focus-the-power-of-now/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Find your Focus &#8211; The Power of Now'>Find your Focus &#8211; The Power of Now</a> <small>Find your focus and unleash your true potential in 2010....</small></li>
<li><a href='http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/six-steps-to-stress-free-productivity/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Six steps to Stress-free Productivity'>Six steps to Stress-free Productivity</a> <small>How to stay on top of your task list, prioritise...</small></li>
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		<title>Do You Trust What You Know?</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/do-you-trust-what-you-know/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/do-you-trust-what-you-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:54:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Intuition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[confidence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equine coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Reading Time: 2 minutes, 20 seconds I bounced over to Jaye, the 28-year old dark brown, wise and majestic mare, with curry comb and brush in hand. The instructions from my coach Kathy were simple &#8211; I had 10 minutes to groom the horse and notice what I was feeling. I was in good spirits [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-121" title="Jaye" src="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/equine-assisted-coaching-150x150.jpg" alt="Jaye" width="150" height="150" />Reading Time: 2 minutes, 20 seconds</p>
<p>I bounced over to Jaye, the 28-year old dark brown, wise and majestic mare, with curry comb and brush in hand. The instructions from my coach <a href="http://www.kathyesper.com" target="_blank">Kathy</a> were simple &#8211; I had 10 minutes to groom the horse and notice what I was feeling. I was in good spirits that day at the barn. I’d been working on getting <a href="http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/what’s-life-got-to-do-with-it-–-extraordinary-foundation/" target="_blank">my life in order</a> and the results were showing. How hard could this job be, I thought? But as soon as I started using the comb to release dirt, Jaye turned her head to look at me. What did that mean? Was she uncomfortable? A moment later when she backed away, ever so slightly, I got my answer.</p>
<p><strong>A horse is a powerful mirror.</strong></p>
<p>The smile and hop in my step were quickly disappearing. Jaye and I were both uneasy and agitated. I didn’t like it.  But I kept on going.  And finally as I passed behind her to groom her other side, something happened.  A deep breath entered my lungs without conscious thought.  A release swept over my body and there was a noticeable weakness in my knees.  I laid a hand on her to steady myself as I groomed with the other.  We fell into sync.  We were connected.</p>
<p>I knew instantly in that moment that Jaye had picked up on what was really going on with me before I did.  She saw through my positive exterior and instantly recognized the fear deep inside. Uh, oh. But as I checked in with the feeling, I realized the fear was there, but it wasn’t paralyzing.  It was that excited kind of fear; like when you’re on the brink of an amazing new journey.  Ahh!  So this is what I was meant to learn, huh?  This is what you were trying to make me see!</p>
<p>Jaye reflected my mismatched emotions back to me until I paid attention.  I wanted to hug her.  Her gift was powerful.  I felt warm, appreciative, known, accepted. I felt authentic, empowered, courageous.  I was ready to face my fears.</p>
<p><strong>And then it happened.</strong></p>
<p>I looked up at my coach, flashed a smile loaded with the message, “I am complete with Jaye; is it ok if I’m done?”  She smiled back giving no indication I had permission to stop.  My 10 minutes must not be up yet.  What do I do now?</p>
<p>So I ignored my gut and did what I was “supposed” to.  I moved back to Jaye’s right side and kept on grooming until my 10 minutes were up.  Those last two minutes were excruciating.  We got agitated again.  We lost our connection.  I suddenly felt I was on stage for my audience to critique.  I was doing it wrong.  I let Jaye down. I failed.  Everyone else was better than me.  I ran back to my seat as fast as I could when time was called.</p>
<p>As she debriefed with me, my coach<a href="http://www.kathyesper.com" target="_blank"> Kathy</a> challenged me, “Where else in your business or life do you stop yourself from acting on your intuition?  How has that held you back?”  Another participant of the workshop threw in another one,  ”Are you trying to be the “good girl” and do it “right” rather than taking authentic action?”</p>
<p>My mind raced through past experience where I ignored my intuition to disastrous results and those where I listened and although it felt risky, all turned out better than expected.</p>
<p>And almost like Jaye was still communicating with me from the barn, an opportunity to listen to my intuition showed up.  I had been in conversation with a colleague about collaborating on a project together.  On the surface, there was so much synergy that it seemed like a no-brainer.   But the more we talked about it, the more drained I got.  The more I felt trapped.</p>
<p>So during our next call, when the topic of how we’d work together came up, I took the chance and opened up.  I had fears.  I had reservations.  It doesn’t feel like the right time for me.  But I didn’t want to close the door to future collaboration.</p>
<p>Turns out the fears and doubts were mutual.  We had a great conversation and things are better than ever between us.  We’re finding other ways to support each other and keeping our eyes open for future opportunities to collaborate.  I think we may have even saved our friendship from potential damage.</p>
<p><strong>Trusting your intuition can be a challenging task even if we know the rewards.</strong></p>
<p>To strengthen your awareness and integrate it into authentic action, try these following steps when faced with your next decision:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Check in with your body.</strong> Notice any feelings, twinges or stiffness. What message is this trying to tell you?</li>
<li><strong>Check in with your emotions.</strong> Are you feeling fear, vulnerability, anger, frustration, sadness?  Or happy, confident, empowered, clear, courageous?  What message are these emotions trying to tell you?</li>
<li><strong>Take action.</strong> Building the muscles around trusting your intuition take practice.  Take a chance.  Act in a way that honors the messages you received from your body and emotions.</li>
<li><strong>Reflect.</strong> Take time to reflect on how this new authentic action felt for you.  Did things blow up after you took the risk or was your risk rewarded with a pleasant surprise?  How will you integrate what you learned the next time you’re faced with a decision?</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Please share your stories with us. We’d love to hear how you’re learning and growing!</strong></p>
<p>PS Remember how I shared that I wanted to hug Jaye for the gift she had given me?  Well even though it felt like a silly request, before I left the barn that day, I shared my desire with Kathy.  She led me straight into Jaye’s stall and I wrapped my arms around her. Thank you, I communicated with my embrace; I’m grateful you were here to teach me.  And turns out it wasn’t so silly a request after all.  One by one, my fellow workshop participants stepped into the stall asking for their chance at a hug.</p>


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		<title>Less is More Extraordinary – Terminator Salvation</title>
		<link>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/less-is-more-extraordinary-%e2%80%93-terminator-salvation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/less-is-more-extraordinary-%e2%80%93-terminator-salvation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:53:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Extraordinary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[less]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[more]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[possibility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satisfaction]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Less is More Extraordinary – Terminator Salvation  You may be wondering what the movie Terminator Salvation has to do with living an extraordinary life.  It’s simple really, when presented with limited options; our choice can be a gateway to the less than ordinary experience of deep appreciation and greater satisfaction. My husband and I spent [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp">
<p><strong>Less is More Extraordinary – Terminator Salvation</strong></p>
<p> You may be wondering what the movie Terminator Salvation has to do with living an extraordinary life.  It’s simple really, when presented with limited options; our choice can be a gateway to the less than ordinary experience of deep appreciation and greater satisfaction.</p>
<p>My husband and I spent the past week at his family’s lake house in the Adirondack Mountains of NY. It was just the two of us taking some much needed time to recharge our batteries.  We had little plans other than reading, walking, talking, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the incredible nature and wildlife that surrounded us. But as Friday rolled around, we thought we’d head into town, mingle with other people and see a movie. </p>
<p>The Strand movie theater in Schroon, NY has one screen.  It plays one movie a week and has 3 showings – Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.  This weekend, it was Terminator Salvation.</p>
<p>I have always had a belief that more possibilities are better.  It helps us to feel less trapped and more in control of where our lives are heading.  But that belief was challenged this week at the movies.  There I was, making the choice to see a movie I otherwise wouldn’t have (summer blockbuster action films are typically not my thing). Yet I can say I was truly happy in the theater watching Terminator Salvation and enjoying myself more than I would have had I had my choice of 16 different movies playing at 5 local theaters, at my choices of at least 100 different show times throughout the day. </p>
<p>Why was this I wondered?  And then it hit me – sometimes less really is more.  With all those choices typically in front of us, we have to make the <em>perfect</em> choice &#8211; that’s what all those options imply is attainable, right?  We can’t be happy unless it’s the <em>right</em> theater, the <em>right </em>time and the <em>right </em>movie. </p>
<p>But I noticed sitting there at the Strand that night how the limit of choice allowed me to fully appreciate the little things about the experience.  The friendly projectionist who also sold us our tickets, the $1 bottle of water, the restored art deco interior, the old piano up by the screen left over from the days of silent films, the conversations amongst us movie-goers (aka strangers) as we left the film.  And I have to admit, I allowed myself to be entertained by the movie.  Was it great film? Certainly not.  But on that night, it was perfectly extraordinary.  </p>
<p>I walked away with a reminder of a valuable lesson. Seeing possibilities and feeling at choice is not about collecting a laundry list of options and trying to find the perfect combination.  Choice is about seeing what’s in front of us – even if it appears to be an undesirable option – and choosing how to be in relation with it.  Happiness and satisfaction can come to us in the most unexpected of ways if we allow it.   </p>
<p><strong>Bring Less is More to Your Own Life</strong></p>
<p>Where in your life or work are you stuck and feeling like you will never find the perfect choice? </p>
<p>How can you see the options in front of you with new eyes and appreciate the satisfaction they can bring you?  </p></div>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_31" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-31" title="The Strand" src="http://lessordinaryliving.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/the-strand2.jpg?w=150" alt="The Strand" width="150" height="112" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Strand</p></div>


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