Is it a reward or a bribe?

It is becoming more and more prevalent these days that parents feel in order for the children to perform or carry out a task we need to offer an "incentive". The free will approach seems to be disappearing and that everything must have a clearcut material response to every task . The question is then why does this need to be and why do we rather not encourage an environment of willing participation. What has happened to the good old hug and kiss and a big thank you.That is all that it should take to encourage a child to carry out the task .However it is the constant conditioning that "If you do that , then I will buy you or give .... " approach that can begin to get out of have hand as the reward so often outweighs the actual task. Lets be aware that the size of the incentive can start running away and become an obsession for both parent and child.In other words we start holding each other to ransom. I would think that it is not such a sobering thought after all. Maybe lets revert for all to the old hugs and kisses and just a big "Thank you " and a "Well done " Till next time.....Solutioncoach

How to motivate your teenage child

I have no doubt that this is a huge topic amongst parents who are continually looking at ways to motivate their children into upping their performance. So then if this is the case then why is it such a huge struggle for parents to employ workable "tactics" to reduce that ever present stress level. I pose the question to all parents to consider reflection and examine the proposition "How did I handle that situation?" The fundamental strategy is NOT to create a power struggle with the teenager. This creates animosity and a quest for the upper hand.Then the battle begins with "You see I told you " and "Don't you ever listen to me?" I suggest that a fixed time family meeting is arranged and issues discussed coupled with a positive learning strategy . This can include time management skills and a basic task programme which will create responsibility rather than a chore. In fact these coping strategies will assist with exam time organization and homework focus. Forget the power struggle and discuss and rather re-affirm all the positive attributes of holding these informal but productive family interventions. Till next time.... Solutioncoach

The sun is shining everywhere

It seems like the sun has deserted us for a while.Well that's the talk everywhere you go at the moment.Let's say the sun is there but it is hiding and waiting for a grand opportunity to present it self. Sounds a bit odd doesn't. Everyone has a SUN inside waiting to shine through and make a difference to your life and others around you.Allow those rays to reach your friends and colleagues and warm their spirit with goodwill and harmony. So ignite the warmth and touch the hearts of all around you even if the sun is missing from the skies at the moment. Till next time .... Take care Solutioncoach

Spring clean the mind

Well spring is here again and I am sure you are thinking about spring cleaning your home.Well that is a natural thought process this time of year and a good idea as it encompasses many positive actions.
Great so you are cleaning away and coming across all kinds of objects like a book half read or maybe an old newspaper. However how often do we consider spring cleaning our minds.Do we try and get of rid all the negative thoughts accumulated over the last 6 months or so? I am sure not so lets think about the regeneration of nature with its beautiful blossoms and stunning colours.So fill your mind with exhilarating sunshine and exotic spring colours and SPRING CLEAN your mind.

Till next time....

Have fun

The Compass and the Goal

First of January 2012 is no different from any other.So why do I say that?Well its that time for those "New Years Resolutions".All the over indulgence over the last few weeks is beginning to tell whether it be around the hips and tummy or the pocket.Personal concerns start to creep in and the guilt starts playing havoc with the mind.You begin to question your actions and punish yourself for acting first then thinking about the consequences.
All is not lost if you just take a few moments to convert your "News Years Resolutions" to actual written goals.The commitment to paper is the hardest part of the process because it is your note to yourself.It is your agreement between your mental and your physical and we all know no one is happy when an agreement is broken.
So then why the compass?It is so easy to go off course if we don't have a mechanism to keep the journey in check.Can you imagine the disaster if a pilot didn't check the routing regularly and suddenly found himself on the wrong flight path.Could be a catastrophe.So therefore a regular reality check is vital to achieving your goals.Make that compass check a daily and weekly occurrence. It is your meeting with yourself to confirm that you are on track to success.
Till next time....
Stay focused!

Inspire yourself to greatness

How often have you heard a coach or a participant say "He dug real deep to win".
I'm sure you have heard it many times, in fact in many situations be it in the sports world or even in business. In reality I have heard when people find themselves in times of hardship and adverse conditions they just have a "team talk" and pull themselves out of adversity.
So how often do you have this "team talk" with yourself? Once a day, twice a day , maybe never?Well that's where the term "dig deep" will inspire you to overcome almost anything that you encounter in life.
Keep searching and digging and I am sure you will inspire yourself to greatness.

Till next time.....

Work Experience-Do you need it?

Work experience is the new buzzword being bandied around at the moment as the job market appears to be shrinking.Young people apply for jobs yet get turned down time after time with the excuse "Sorry, you don't have any experience."
Well how must this sector gain the experience if the companies or small businesses are not prepared to give them that chance. As a result so many talented young people are losing out on showing how capable they are and being made to feel wanted.It is probably now more crucial than ever that commerce realises that it has to commit to the potential workforce and give this sector the respect that it deserves. If it fails to participate the future workforce will be weak and vulnerable and will not be able to support and contribute to the economy.
Let's think about the future consequences and make a commitment today.

Tint the grey black

I thought I would diversify for a while and concentrate on the over fifty silver transformation.However the question is who makes that change.Is it you or is it the person engaging with you.This could just be an informal friendly chat or it could be a serious intensive interview.
So then the question arises "Who tints the grey black?"
I have spoken with many people over 50 who have been for interviews, yet despite their experience and knowledge have felt threatened and intimidated.
So why do they feel that way ?It is because they talk themselves into it. They believe they are approaching "old age" and therefor don't have the gusto to perform.In other words they need to "tint the grey black"
Not sure ? don't have the zest and willpower to continue?

Contact Solutioncoach for a confidential chat...Together we will find a Solutionbox for you.