Archive for category motivation
sensory acuity
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation, NLP, personal on November 17, 2008
Inspired by the book I am reading Turning Passions into Profit – 3 Steps to Wealth and Power and my NLP Master Practitioner with Sensory Systems in Glasgow, I revisited the term of “sensory acuity” today.
Christopher Howard writes about the importance of sensory acuity as people with outstanding communication skills are able to notice things in their sensory awareness that others do not. Being able to notice on all levels of senses gives you an advantage and the ability to notice things that most people don’t even realise exist. It will unlock your potential to create the results you desire in your interpersonal communication.
Which senses are we speaking about:
* sight – visual sense
* sound – auditory sense
* feelings – kinesthetic sense
* smell – olfactory sense
* taste – gustatory sense
And, what impressed me with Howard is that he differentiates, as a true NLP professional, between the inner and the outer world. Depending on our models we perceive the world differently. Being aware of the different senses and being able to read (and write) them, will make us better communicators.
NLP has the model of input (senses) that then “relate and compute” (pattern/map) into output (behaviour). We also add the “feed-forward”, a prediction what will happen in the world. And, all of that is put back into a feedback loop to how we perceive the world and being “sensory acute” about it.
Our internal voice is referred to as “audio digital” input rather than the audio sense, analog, of the external world.
How is that useful?
We can use those senses for goal setting by visualising an outcome and then put that picture in our head. And, it will feel good and you might want to imagine a certain smell, taste or music with it. You can talk to yourself as well and really get a goal into your head. A vision! This vision can be turned into a nice state of mind and something to look forward to. It will sink into your unconscious and your actions will be working towards that goal and objective.
Also, another example, would be if you remember a certain situation. Your last holiday on the beach? You remember the sound of the waves, the smell of the sea and the image….. Don’t you remember the good old time when you turn the radio on and they play a song that you have not heard for ages and it reminds you of your “wild days”?
Sweet memories 
Tony Robbins?
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation on November 13, 2008
I found this video and it shows how great Tony Robbins speaks. I am still not sure what to think of him. He is a great motivator, but is he as profound as some people think he is?
Would like to hear from you what you think about him?
[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5625548517080716077]
Facing the Giants…
Posted by Volker in Buddhism, change management, gtd, leadership, motivation, NLP, personal, spirituality and business on November 9, 2008
I finally watched the whole movie of facing the giants as described in my earlier post. It is a very motivational movie. However, I was surprised that is based around god and the love of god to make it a success.
With having lived in the US for a year a few years ago, I know how important Christianity is in the US and that it helps people to motivate. However, it does not matter which faith you are as long as you believe in something, and someone – yourself.
I am not a great believer in contemporary church but find my spiritual guidance through Buddhism. Latter helps me to stay focus, help others and be motivated in personal life as well as in corporate life.
What wonders me sometimes is that there seems to be this “YES WE CAN” attitude in the USA, the American Dream that just this week was supported by the first ethnic minority president to be in the world. A country that has this approach will always be more confident and be more successful.
In Germany where I grew up and I believe it is similar in most European countries, this attitude is not on the schedule for high school kids. It is more about “this is an American thing” and that is that.
Why are we not taking the positive attitude, the “can do approach” from our big brother and use it to make us more successful, more motivated and more focused in life and work. Without thinking that this is only done “elsewhere”.
I believe we need to incorporate the basic and underlying approach of this attitude in our daily lifes to motivate ourselves and to get where we want to be. No surprise that things like GTD, NLP, Turning Passion into profits are all coming from one country.
In my opinion most of those ideas are based around the basic attitude of reaching out for the stars and making things happen. And to have this vision of reaching things, not to show fear and stay focus. That is not rocket science, is it?
Seminar GTD (Getting Things Done) by David Allen
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation, personal, time management on October 25, 2008
Hello, good morning.
Early for a Saturday, but my head is spinning full of ideas. Why? I went to David Allen’s seminar “Getting Things Done”. Wow!
David is an inspirational speaker and trainer. After reading his book I noticed that I have put 80% into practise and that I need another 20% to achieve excellence. I now know how – I just need to do it. How does it stick, how do you motivate yourself, and, how do you not lose that motivation.
Latter will be key, but is key to anything. Stopping smoking or starting to play Golf.
What is so good about GTD?
David developed his system over 25 years. Looking at it, it is simple. Baby Steps. All he does is breaking down purpose in live (50,000 feet), vision (40,000 feet), goals (30,000 feet), Area of Focus (20,000 feet), Projects (10,000 feet) into direct ACTIONS that then need tasking. And, he developed a great way of tasking in various categories, e.g. home, office, plane, calls etc.
The powerful way of combining control with perspective. Motivation with Coaching. Without trying to simplify, but there is the coaching aspect of setting goals and visions and breaking them down into steps/actions. There is the NLP component to motivate, organise and re-focus/re-frame actions. Also, you find the “normal” time management component of having the yearly, monthly, daily, hourly view of things.
So, could anyone have come up with the system? I think so. Sorry, David, that is not meant disrespectful. I guess I was too late to develop my personal system into a GTD and as a second to market it would not wor k Why should I anyway, I rather support yours!
David Allen is a great speaker, a great leader and inspiration of setting up your own system using the right tools. And, there are still the 20% I need to improve my system with. 20% is a lot! And, with things getting busier around business, I need to have this extra edge to free up more time to pursue my visions.
So, not only congratulations to David on inventing a system that works but also to teach it the way he does. I have a lot of respect for you!
Thanks
Volker
PS: if you have not read his book, you find it here.
Be more Assertive
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation on October 22, 2008
In “personal success”, a magazine I get from the Coaching Academy, I found an article from Rebekah Fensome about Assertiveness.
I summarize her 10 points I found very valuable:
- Clear communication
- Take responsibility
- Don’t apologise when you don’t need to
- Use strong verbal and body language
- Are you being listened to?
- Get out your comfort zone
- Stick to the facts
- Keep it objective
- Observe assertive role models
- Reward yourself
Found that picture here.
I think Rebekah put a nice little list together here with the basics of assertiveness.
Lots of Success
Volker
NLP revisited – going back to basics?!
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation, NLP, personal on October 21, 2008
Good day,
I have written a lot about NLP before. And, as most people know, I did my Master Practitioner in NLP in 2003, which is now unbelievable 5 years ago.
Often, I wonder how much I have incorporated NLP in my daily life, my daily thinking and how much it has affected my work and life. I come to the conclusion that it probably has but I that I have not had this “wow effect” which changed my life and made me that “super hero”. I don’t even think NLP does that. My changes and my help from NLP were suttle. They came slowly and they last.
Now, a few weeks ago, I was waiting for a train and didn’t have a magazine or book with me. So I went into WHSmith to see what was available. I bought a book about NLP, “change your life with NLP”.
To be honest, I am very very curious of reading this book. Deliberately I am not naming the author because it seems to be one of those books that have been written on the back of really good NLP books. This one made it to the shelf for the masses and will tell you that “if you put your mind to it, you can achieve what you are set out to achieve”. Believe in your abilities and things come through.
And, they will. We know it. I know it. You know it, everyone knows it. The DOING is the problem. Taking the baby steps, setting the goal and bringing in the persistance. Having the personal coach (oneself) or A personal coach (someone else) to kick your @#* and make you take the baby steps. Or, the belief in yourself….
It has been 10 years since I gave up chain smoking. 10 years since I stopped sucking on at least 60 fags a day. NLP? Willpower? Honest answer: you set your mind to it and focus on your health. End of story. I have been smoking since. A month here, a month there, a few cigars. But never had that many again.
I let you know how I like the book and will name the author if I do like it. I am presumptious of saying “I don’t like it” – honestly, I believe it will be great to read because it will refresh my mind of what I am – and you are – capable of.
Enjoy.
I hope you have a fantastic day!
Volker
Opus Movie
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, motivation, personal on October 20, 2008
I read on MItch’s blog about the Opus Movie.
It is made by Joe Vitale, who is also behind the Secret Movie which is based on the Law of Attraction.
I am not sure if that is all I have to believe. E.g. I believe in 2,000,000 pounds in my bank account and they arrive. I do believe that but I would not “put money on it”, literally. However, what about health, partnerships, friendships. Can we just wish what we wish for and it comes true, because we set our mind to it.
If so, the theory of putting your mind to it and you gain what you are aiming for is not overly new, is it?
Anything you work hard for, your goal, your personal opinion of what you can achieve – I believe you will be able to achieve it, setting your mind to it and taking the baby steps towards it. Action it!
We write a lot about fulfilment and purpose of life at this Buddhist blog.
Here is my first poll:
[polldaddy poll=1020897]
work life balance
Posted by Volker in Buddhism, cb consulting, change management, health, motivation, performance, personal, time management on August 29, 2008
I think the last time I wrote about work life balance was regarding the entrepreneur and intrepreneur.
A thought I had was when I have been working from home, which happens occasionally, whether I have a better or worse work-life-balance.
And, the answer is difficult. I remember that studying for my MBA we discussed that if you work from home, you should get your own room/desk and area in the house. This way you could “go home” after work and relax, e.g. getting your life.
However, for me as an occasional “working from home” person, it is not that easy. A small house with only one proper desk, it is like you are in your living room all day.
Often, when I discuss that with clients, I get the answer of “I would get too distracted at home” – I agree, some people can. For me it is usually the other way around:
I get up my usual time and sit on the laptop about one hour earlier than I usually do. Then, from a lunch point of view, I eat whatever is around and never really feel hungry, ergo do not have a proper break until the late afternoon. Which is, when I go back to my desk and deal with some work over in the US and end up shutting down the laptop around 7 or 8 pm.
Wow, that makes it a full 11 hour day (only noticed that now). And, my way home is quick. I just sit on the other side of the table and end up being home
Now, there are two sides to that:
I personally get more distracted by work than by home, e.g. I enjoy working and what I do, so end up working more at home but cannot really escape work physically. But, I have enough confidence to turn things off if it is getting too much.
Finding the right balance is important. And, as long as you enjoy the work you are doing, working from home occassionally is fine. However, I actually enjoy being in the office too – even if I am alone in the office. Just to get away from home 
Is that double minded?
I read “big brother’s” comment about life-life balance. There are so many discussions about what is right or wrong and I believe nothing is right or wrong as long as it works for you (and ultimately for the person you work for). If you cannot turn off the laptop when it’s time and you cannot turn off your blackberry when needed, then you do need to work on your priorities. You need to enjoy what you are doing, that is really the key.
Some more Buddhist thoughst on life-life balance can be found at balamadana.
Enjoy a relaxing weekend.
Circumstances – getting things done!
Posted by Volker in cb consulting, change management, motivation, personal, time management on August 27, 2008
People always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them. – George Bernard Shaw
This morning I finished GETTING THINGS DONE by David Allen. The above is a quote from his book. I must say, this book should be compulsory for everyone working. Full stop. Not only Managers, MDs – no everyone. Buy it directly at Amazon!
It shows the right way and attitude on how to be organised, efficient and effective. No more time wasting unless you have too much spare time on you hands And, you will – compared to your current status. You will love this book and the techniques shown.
Also, there are Seminars in London:
Two different seminars are being presented.
The first, GTD Mastering Work Flow, presented on October 23, offers greater focus on actual implementation of the GTD methodology. This seminar is very tactically oriented – how to get quick control using the fundamental thinking process and the five phases of work flow mastery. Led by senior David Allen company consultants, this seminar will provide insights and guidelines for implementation of tools and techniques in your daily workflow. Learn more about this seminar series here.
The second seminar, GTD The Roadmap, is a one day event led by David Allen, on October 24, to introduce you to Getting Things Done concepts and principles. GTD The RoadMap offers a higher level, more theoretical overview of the GTD concepts. The seminar will focus on the whole picture of the self-consulting process, including prioritizing from multiple horizons, applying the core productivity principles, and making change stick, also offering the opportunity to see David Allen live. You can learn more about the GTD The Roadmap seminar series here.
Enjoy. Volker!
Time – Bank Holiday Weekend :-)
Posted by Volker in Buddhism, cb consulting, change management, motivation, personal, spirituality and business on August 22, 2008
I have been quiet the last couple of days. Mainly because I have started to think about a lot of things.
Some are directly related to my work and life that for obvious reasons I would not like to share here 
Nothing to worry about of course.
However, there are some other thoughts on life that I am more than happy to share, it is my conversation with Marcelo, my Buddhist friend and ex monk on our Buddhist and Management Blog. Maybe you have some input on our thoughts.
Also, as a frequent flyer I am concerned with the safety of flights after the Madrid accident. Unfortunately those things happen and one should probably not think about it. But, it also naggs on me for some reason.
So, I am taking this bank holiday weekend off from all obligations and will be back as normal next week.
Have a good one, Volker
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