16 Office Etiquette Rules

posted in: General 2

 

As we spend more hours at the office, than we do at home, we all want to work in a pleasant, friendly and comfortable environment, no-one should feel uneasy in their work environment.

 

Let’s take a look at a few Etiquette rules to make your work experience more enjoyable:

 

  • Be on time – do your utmost to get to the office on time, if you are going to be late due to car troubles, traffic congestions, etc. be sure to notify your superior.
  • If you are sick stay at home – no-one else wants to get your illness, so keep your germs to yourself and stay at home until you are fully recovered. And let’s be honest how productive are you really going be.
  • Dress Appropriately – Even if the office has a casual dress code, leave the beach wear and PJ’s for just that! Follow the office guidelines in terms of hemlines and necklines, to avoid embarrassing clothing mishaps.
  • Be Respectful of others Space – No-one likes to have people invade their personal bubble, so be mindful of your colleague’s space too! Don’t help yourself to their stationery or refreshments either, always ask first.
  • Telephone Etiquette – Don’t speak loudly in an open plan office, especially private calls, no one else needs to or wants to hear your business. Leave the office and take your call outside.
  • Mute your cell phone – Ringing cell phones and message alerts are very distracting for those around you, so always be mindful of this.
  • Email courtesy – Don’t reply all unless requested to do so, most of us don’t have time or the desire to read through these mails! Secondly, always watch your tone in your emails, as it is often hard to read, be aware of how you are saying it, to avoid upsetting the recipient.
  • Watch your social Media posts – know that nothing is private nowadays! If you are going to rant about your boss or colleagues don’t use this platform and secondly if you don’t want everyone to know your private business don’t splash it all over social media.
  • Watch your body language – we all have bad days, so if you are feeling frustrated or angry be aware of what your body language is telling your colleagues, if you are not in a good space take a walk.
  • Cleanliness – Keep your workspace clean, and always clean up after yourself in the kitchen. No one else wants to be cleaning up your mess. It is just common courtesy.
  • Be aware of strong smells – Avoid wearing strong perfumes as not all of us are partial to it and it can often trigger allergies for some. Lunch boxes too, can stink out an office be aware of what you are heating up as cauliflower, brussel sprouts and eggs can be quite pungent.
  • Table Manners – although you may not be at your grandmother’s dining room table, it is still not appropriate to eat badly at your workplace. No-one likes to hear loud crunching or be exposed to talking with food in your mouth, slurping or “chops slapping”.
  • Mind your manners – just because you are not at home, does not mean you lose your manners. Please and thank you go a long way regardless of where you are.
  • Be Considerate – in all that you do in the office, treat others with respect and they will offer you the same respect. If you feel someone has stepped over the boundary, take them one side and gently inform them of this. Sort it out promptly to avoid issues later on.
  • Practice Tolerance – in a workplace environment, there are people from all walks of life with their own traditions and cultures, personalities and different styles. Be mindful of this and tolerate the differences.
  • Last but not least – Don’t gossip – you do not like to be the talk of the town and neither do your colleagues. If you can’t say it to them then rather don’t say it.

I hope the above factors will come in handy in making your work day experience a happy and productive one!

 

 

Sources:
Entrepreneur


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About Debora Keet

My journey at Leads 2 Business started in January 2006 as a Private Projects Researcher, Since October 2008, I have been in the Administration and Human Resources department.

Industry Events: Homemakers Expo

Event:

Homemakers Expo

 

Date:

23 February 2017 – 26 February 2017

 

Entrance fee:

R90 for Adults

R60 for Pensioners

Children under 12 are free

 

Event location:

Ticketpro Dome, Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding, Johannesburg, 2161

 

Event description:

The Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Expo is where you’ll find inspiration, advice, great new ideas, and thousands of products – everything you need to show love to your home, and those who live in it. Plus, the Expo is packed with specials, deals, competitions, and features you’ll find nowhere else, including this year’s highlight, an urban Graffiti feature.

Event Website:

2017 Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Expo

 

Who to contact for more information:
For more information or to book your stand phone +27 86 111 4663 or e-mail: expo@homemakers-sa.co.za

About Eldary Carpenter

I have been with Leads 2 Business for 5 years and absolutely love working for such a dynamic company. I started off as a Content Researcher in the Tenders Department before being promoted to Customer Relations.

#10Best Blog Posts for the year

Leads 2 Business : #10BEST

 

So its roundup time. End of year contemplation combined with a healthy amount of mayhem. But as we close off and tie up all the loose ends in a pretty bow, I wanted to present you with a neat package of all the best the year has had to offer. Well, strictly speaking, the 10 best blog posts we have had to date (which trickles just over a year) voted by your foot traffic.

 

Without further ado…

 

  1. Wanting to save resources? Here are some top tips – “Ways to reduce your Carbon Footprint
  2. Looking for a means to getting your tender on in a better manner?  Look no further than “Is there Value in attending Tendering Workshops?
  3. Keeping our country pristine is not easy.  But being able to do something about our resources is priceless. The follow up to a popular post with local news “Too close to Home! What the frack!”
  4. You have heard about the growth of … well almost everything… in Africa. Get some fact here “Developing Africa….is Africa the new China?
  5. Covering industry exhibitions as we visited a popular “Cape Construction Expo
  6. Our campaign to create awareness of the desperate plight of our black rhino in Southern Africa – “Heart of a Ranger
  7. The story of our team trip to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to film the Heart of a Ranger video – “Rhino dreaming in Timbavati
  8. Taking a look at our country and it’s colourful journey is Sherina Swart with “South Africa … just how far have we come?”
  9. Looking around us and following the trends “Trends in Africa
  10. Some inspiration from history with our witty Claire Donaldson’s “Ancient Inspiration for Modern Motivation

 

 

Now that you have had your fill of a good combination of facts and humour, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you well for a fantastic festive season and peaceful New Year. Our offices will be closing on the 15th December and re-opening on the 6 January 2016.

 

Until then, have a wonderful break and hopefully rest.

 

 

 

 

About Carmen Barends

Social Media adventurer exploring new frontiers and learning how to survive. Tongue in cheek and mischief are the order of any good day topped with a sprinkling of laughter.

Welcome to the Silly Season!!!

 welcome

So here we are again!
One month til’ Christmas!!!!!!!
I’m sure my head isn’t the only one spinning by the idea!

Now just so you know, I use the word “silly” in this title of my blog very loosely as I’m sure many of you can relate, this last month has just taken off with full speed.
People have all of a sudden woken up and have become very demanding of my time, clients, kids, cats, cousins, you name it, they want something from me right now.  There are all sorts of deadlines whether at work or in our personal day to day lives that now need our undivided attention!! Not to mention, I feel as though my mobile number has been broadcast on some “marketers paradise” website!

In the last week I’ve been offered 3 mobile contracts, medical insurance for my pets, a free toaster with a “dream holiday” – timeshare no doubt…. and another funeral policy – I already have 4 of those!, for some reason I just battle to turn those ones down, I guess the thought of my family not having a bus on the day haunts me! lol!

5651-multitaskofficeassistant

So anyway,  I’ve come to realise there are two kinds of people right now….
One is the person who has been slacking / cruising until now, and has just realised this and because they have done very little until now, they have a spring in their step and oozing energy and getting things done and frankly making us, the number two kind of people, look bad!
They are excited to no end about the Christmas shopping that awaits, the packing of away trips, the spring cleaning of their houses while on leave and all the super fun stuff they are going to bake!!!!
kill me right now!

 

Co-Worker-Slacker

Now the second kind of people we have are the people who consistently working hard through out the year in all aspects of their lives, we forever taking on more, pushing for extra and expecting more, from ourselves, our partners and if they have any, their kids too!

bigstock-Super-Mom-22747457

 

 

 

It’s Tiring, I’m Tired!!!!

0511-1107-2914-1722_Tired_worker_asleep_on_the_job_in_front_of_the_computer_clipart_image

 

 

So when I think about traipsing around busy shopping malls over the Christmas session having my achilles heel knocked in by rogue trollies pushed by faces buried in cell phones!!!!, thinking of new ways to entertain my 3 kids for 6 weeks of their summer holidays, cooking and baking endless Christmas delights, not to mention picking up and redecorating my Christmas tree daily because my lovely cats seem to think I erected it for their personal pleasure!
I want to cry…… really, I want to cry!

holidaystress

 

 

Oh there I go sounding like a complete grinch… which I am not! I swear!

grinch

 

 

 

No Wait!….I’ve just thought about it and there is a third kind of person out there, and they’re are the worst!
These are the peeps who never put in the time or energy but are always complaining about how much they have done and how tired they are!

tired

 

You know what, lets not talk about these people anymore, they just making me feel worse!
Let me see if I can try recover this blog from doom and gloom ;).

So, just for curiosity sake…. have you worked out which kind of person you are yet?  I think it is very apparent that I class myself firmly in the number two spot! Lol! And even though it sounded like I was totes whining about it all the way, I am here to tell you that I wouldn’t change a thing!
Hard work always reaps reward, even if this doesn’t manifest into something material, it is a great feeling to get to the end of the year and know I have done everything I could do to be better than I was the year before!

 

 

So a blog wouldn’t be a blog if I didn’t do some kind of real research…. so I went forth and found you some Christmas hacks to make your lives a little easier this “silly” season!

HACK #1

online shopping

Shop online!
Now for some this is still a really scary place to shop…. don’t be scared, it is amazing, I did a huge chunk of my shopping online last year and I did it all in my jammies!

 

HACK #2

Hack2
This is for the Singles or couples that don’t have kids to think of (and have liquor lips!)
Jello Shot Christmas Tree!

 

HACK #3

Hack
This one is for the die hard organiser!

how exciting for you all……index

 

 

HACK #4

Hack 4
For the eternal cheap Skate……You’re welcome 😉

 

HACK #5

roll-dont-fold
For the traveler – roll it, don’t fold it! This will save you space as well as save your clothes from creases 🙂

 

And finally for the Foodie

HACK #6

Cut your Ice-Cream instead of fighting with an ice-cream scoop!

hack food

Make your brownies or fudge in Christmas cookie cutters!

HAck 5

Use Christmas cookie cutters to make flapjacks 🙂

hack5

I love these ideas!

 

I’m not sure about you but I’m already feeling better, I’m not quite ready to break out the Boney M cd’s….. but I’m considering it;)

Possibly even putting my tree up a little earlier, sending out a few Christmas cards this year and maybe even making some of those “jello-shots” we saw a little earlier;)

The possibilities are endless at this point!!!

 

But back to what kind of person you have been this year…. it doesn’t matter…. its pretty much too late to change that, however there is still plenty time to do better going forward!

Whether you working through the festive season or taking a well deserved break, please, take the time to be thankful for all the people who make your life easier, fuller or happier.

Do something that will make you feel proud to be you, do something for someone who you know can’t do anything back for you.

 

I wish you all a wonderful and safe festive season regardless of your religion, this is still a time of goodwill, so go out and spread it!!

…..and then come back next year ready to work harder, be better and do better!

 

41e92fbb502ad13d224b1b9ae900b607

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

For goodness sake, Wear Something

 

inspiration

 

 

 

 

 

It’s nearing the end of the year. When researching for this article, trying to find something to write about, I came across all the quotes and inspirational tidbits that float about the web. Some witty and others seriously inspirational. Designed to give you a kick up the backside to conquer what you need to conquer and live your best life etc and so forth and blah blah fish paste. I have nothing against any of it. I, myself, enjoy a good “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster just like the next girl. But I’m tired and grumpy and my last nerve is in witness protection. My criticism of the below, is nothing against the good intentions. It’s just theres always advice and no How-To when it comes to these things. A manual. I’d like a step by step manual. And I’d probably have something snarky to say about that as well. The original is in bold and my lowly thoughts are in normal text.

 

This is your life Apparently. You don’t know me.

Do What you love, and do it often. Nothing. Does nothing count? I don’t think they were talking about nothing. They probably mean productive, ingenious things that only bring joy and peace to the world and mankind. A wee bit self indulgent. It’s good work, if you can find it. More power to you. I’ll be over here, doing what I have to do. Doing it often. And trying to “love” it. I think the young’uns call it “adulting”.

 

If you don’t like something, change it. But get permission first. You can’t go around changing other people’s stuff just because you don’t like it. You can change your stuff, not other people’s. Just so we’re clear. You can merrily change it with time, money and a viable replacement. So do the math, do the research or do your nut. Otherwise, shush. No one wants to hear it, if you are not currently changing it or haven’t actually changed it yet. Talking about planning to intend to change it, is not the same.

 

If you don’t like your job, quit. This is appalling advice. No. I assume you like having a roof over your head, and food on the table. Perhaps you have other human beings who are dependent upon you to supply them with the same. If you are unhappy, and nothing you have done has corrected this, then quietly make plans to get out. Do not cut off your nose to spite your face. You still have responsibilities which need to be met, so quit like a smart person. Do not quit, based on the moment’s emotions. It’s not the airy fairy idealistic world out there. Our economy is not what it used to be. This is not meant to guilt trip you into being a prisoner of your “Oh woe is me” job, but to prepare you that sometimes quitting is a lot of work.

 

If you don’t have enough time, stop watching tv. Really? TV? I’ve never had a problem with TV. Most of my “not to be quoted in any serious conversation” general knowledge comes from the infamous “TV”. This I feel is a bit out of date. Cellphones and social media, to be exact, would probably update this bit of advice nicely. Yes, they are a massive time suck. But they also connect people, are good for a laugh and can be quite inspirational. But there’s a time and place and a little balance wouldn’t go amiss. If you can’t go any significant time, without actively checking your phone; then you need to definitely go a significant amount of time without it to see that you won’t die of FOMO. Most people probably don’t have enough time because of husbands, wives, kids, chores, errands, mini disasters and all the things that demand our attention and the things that we would actually choose to do. If you want to do it, you’ll find the time. No one’s that busy.

 

If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. Um.. it’s a big world out there

 

They will be waiting for you when you. They’re waiting? Don’t they have anything else to do? Am I holding them up?

 

Start doing things you love. There is no logic to this piece of advice. Do whatever the hell it is you want to do. Go out, take up hobbies, dating websites, personal ads (don’t do personal ads. Just don’t. Does anyone anymore?), put yourself out there, keep yourself at home, try too hard, don’t try at all. Whatever. This, you have to sort out for yourself.

 

Stop over analyzing, life is simple. So simple, we need a 10 point plan how to navigate it. Life happens. It’s going to keep ticking over with or without your cooperation. Over analyse, if it makes you feel better, like you’re in control (hahahahaha!). If it doesn’t make you feel better, than dial back on the analysing. But you have to think a little about life. A smidge. Whether you want certain things or have to handle certain things (that you did not want). Life isn’t so simple that you can’t think about it once in a while. Just not on birthdays (especially any birthday that has a 0 in it). Or any other significant indicator of time passing. Maybe a random Wednesday. Have a good think about your life, and then pack it away for next year.

 

All emotions are beautiful. Perhaps this person hasn’t heard the expression “Snot en Trane”. Or when I’m blind with rage, my red complexion really brings out my crazy eyes. Oh yeah. I feel beautiful then. Argh. Yes, we all have emotions. Happy, sad, disdain, empathy, fear, embarrassment, anger etc. The list goes on and on and on. We, weirdly, though don’t have any control over what emotions get triggered when something happens or someone says something so earthshatteringly stupid that you have to lie down. But we all have control on how we handle it. Blah blah, we’ve heard this all before. Grin and bare it, or corner the offending human when they are alone and explain the beauteous of your emotions at that time.

 

When you eat, appreciate every last bite. This sounds mildly threatening, I say eyeing my Cadbury Minty Top Deck.

 

Open your mind, arms and heart to new things. In a controlled setting. Don’t be doing this randomly on the street. No one has time for that.

and people, we are united in our differences. A good sentiment. Differences traditionally do not bring people together though. Differences, however, can be complimentary. Underestimating and overestimating people based on external criteria, just sets everyone up for embarrassment and disappointment. If you can see each person’s strengths and weaknesses, see what people actually do; then you’ve got a handy trick up your sleeve.

 

Ask the next person you see what their passion is. Like I said before, in a controlled setting. And what exactly will this achieve? Will this poor person who’s been accosted on the street, appreciate some random’s interest in their “passion”? Maybe they will. Maybe I’ve got this all wrong. Maybe they will love being able to share their secret love of mushroom farming or their hidden delight in interpretive dance. Who knows? It’s a crazy world out there. [I have nothing for nor against mushroom farming nor interpretive dance. I’m sure they are both fulfilling in their own ways]

and share your inspiring dream with them. Go on. I dare you. Go find someone you don’t know and “share your inspiring dream” with them. Cashiers are always good. They can’t go anywhere. Oooo… the next time a telemarketer calls. Come on. Does this mean that you should be ashamed of whatever it is you dream about or aspire to be or do? Of course not. If you find that one thing that makes you ridiculously happy, go forth and do that thing (How? I don’t know. Google it). Waxing lyrical to strangers, I feel is not really going to get you very much besides a couple of “looks”.

 

Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. I’m all for travelling often. What with money, leave and visa applications also being available often. Getting lost, not so much. I have a terrible sense of direction. Horrible. You know that quote “Not all who wander, are lost”. Well, if you see me “wandering”; I am most definitely lost. Help me. Point me in the right direction. Don’t just leave me there. I’m not being all poetical. I need assistance. I’ve never really been able to understand the “find yourself” concept. I’m with me, wherever I go. I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, and that’s probably not going to change if I end up backpacking through India or communing with the elephants in Bali. I believe we can experience new things and learn, but ultimately we are who we are always going to be. You can’t be something that wasn’t in you already. People do not change. And they shouldn’t have to.

 

Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Oi. If you’re impulsive, sure; grab away. Grab that one and only chance. If you’re not impulsive, go ahead and do the same. Nothing in this, says it’s going to work out. Or if it’s the right opportunity for you. There’s no guarantee one way or another. Even so, if an opportunity comes around multiple times; what does that mean? Do you take it or ignore it until the next go around? The number of times an opportunity is available, doesn’t matter when it comes to your choice. A once off or every single day kind of choice is no more or less important than the other. What we choose, and our ability to take responsibility for our choice, is what makes it count. If you believe in what you’ve chosen, you cannot be made to regret it or second guess it.

Life is about the people you meet. People are a finite resource. We don’t last forever.

and the things you create with them. Can be both beautiful and ugly all at once.

So go out and start creating. Or stay in. Whatever floats your boat.

Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion. Yes, life is short. Way, way too short. Live your life. Whatever it is, however it turns out. You’ll only have this one. “Wear your passion”; I have no idea what to do with this gem; but for heaven’s sake; wear something.

http://www.livingggood.com/inspiration/this-is-your-life/

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

Mid Year Motivation

Mid year slump?
Mid year slump?

 

So we are over the half way mark, and how are you feeling?

For most, you have now reached that time in the year where all your New Years resolutions have failed and long gone, even the guilt has started to fade and you are back to being the smoking, drinking, fast-food eating, non-gyming, gym contract owner….. yip! You know who you are!

Obviously there are the chosen few who are super humans, you are the ones who have given up all your vices and are looking and feeling amazing, and all I can say to you is, well done! You are awesome! Teach me! Teach me!

 

Nevertheless the middle of the year for all of us can take its toll, the excitement of our promises to ourselves has past, our goals not quite reached seem even further away now as we have less time in the year to reach them.

Summer has long forgotten us, we wake up when its dark and get home from work when its dark… Gosh!! I’m depressing myself, this was not the purpose of this blog!!!

 

“Motivation wherefore art thou??”

 

Well here it is:)

The amazing thing about this time of year is, the best is on its way, we are less than a month away from Spring people!!!

I’ve thought long and hard about how I will see the rest of this year, and I’ve decided, instead of seeing it as a downward spiral to “year end madness” with no real time to start or finish anything, instead I have set new resolutions of change and set new goals. A challenge if you will.

This, along with spring cleaning is bound to give me a new lease on life!

 

We all know the old wedding bridal tradition of “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”?

 

Well I’ve devised my own!

 

 

It’s titled: Something for my Heart, Something for my Soul & Something for my Health!

 

Something for my Heart
Something for my Heart

 

For My heart I have pledged to give up some of my time and devote it to my kids who have developed a strong love for board games, and I’ve decided to cultivate this before it turns to evenings of “Charades”!!! ‘cos once that happens , I’m out! And I will need to find a new place to devote my time, I’m thinking watching paint dry sounds fun!

 

Something for my Soul
Something for my Soul

 

For My Soul I have committed myself to a life change, this change, many may regard as me giving up something, where I truly see it as gaining a whole lot more. I will be giving up one of my vices, and I’m totally excited for the change:)

And last but not least, my health.

 

Something for my Health
Something for my Health

 

 

For my health I have joined my local gym – Yes I know its August! Don’t judge me! Lol!

 

The way I see it, I’m giving myself a head start on the New Years Resolutioners!

 

And by the end of December when all my passion and drive for change has started to loose its appeal…. guess what? It’s New Year again and I will be ready to recommit myself to a better me all over again! It’s a win, win, it’s a fool proof plan to remain motivated all 12 months of the year:)

When you feel better, you do better and it will show, at home and at work and it will even start rubbing off on the people around you. I urge and challenge you all to do the same – find a goal or better still, a few goals, these should inspire you and give you something to see you through the next 6 months of this year:).

 

For your mid year goals – dig deep! Take yourself out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, don’t celebrate mediocrity!! If you expect your best, you will give your best – it’s a fact I promise:) I have chosen 3 things to change, all of which will take a great lot of effort to master, but once I have them down I will be a way better person for it, and isn’t that what goal setting is all about? Being better? And let me tell you, I can already feel it, I know I can get through the rest of this year with the same excitement I started it with!

 

However if you feel you just not up to any life changing challenges, how about doing a few small ones, some more fun than challenging….

 

    • Once a month offer someone a cup of coffee that you don’t usually make for.
    • Find someone new to complement every day.
    • Call someone you haven’t spoken to in months and find out how they are.
    • Give away something you haven’t used in the past 8 months.
    • Find a children’s story book and read it out loud with passion and expression.
    • Give up all social media for 3 days.
    • Compete wholeheartedly for something.
    • Say yes as often as possible.

 

And last but never least – Smile Smile Smile!

……And because I always like to leave you all with something to think about when I end my blog, here it is:

There are only 21 Fridays left until Christmas!!! 

                “Yip! You’re welcome!!” 😉

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

Intellectual Health

Leads 2 Business : Intellectual health

 

 

 

Intellect…. now this is something I thought evaded me my whole school going life, or did I just do a really good job avoiding it?…..Hmmmm, I was more of a social butterfly you see, but lucky for me not all is lost because it turns out you can be both!

It’s a good thing because planning my social life from Monday to Friday and recovering from it from Sunday to Tuesday may have made me a fun friend to be around at school, but it sure wouldn’t pay the bills now that I work!

I would like to think I now have a fine but workable balance between the two 🙂

 

I’ve come to realise I was never “stupid” I was just never pushed or motivated.

This didn’t hamper me though thankfully, yes it may have taken me longer than some, but I got there!

I developed the need to be & do better and that turned into the need to be the best (Status of Mission: currently still striving for!), now sure, this unfortunately only occurred to me once I was firmly out of school and coincidently working for the company I’m currently working for….

Is that really coincidental? I think not!

 

Answer yourself this question, have you ever enjoyed learning anything whereby the person teaching you was someone you really didn’t like??? The answer is NEVER!!!

 

So would I be wrong in saying that in order to improve your intellectual health you need to find yourself in an environment whereby you are motivated, encouraged and ultimately rewarded?

So whether it be at school, college, your work place or even in your day to day life, FIND THIS!!!

Take my word for this, It will make a world of difference in your life :).

 

The wonderful thing about humans, is that we never stop learning or teaching, I mean, just last week I was at work, in our canteen and was disturbed by the smell of burning toast, turns out it wasn’t the toast burning but rather the crumbs within the toaster, so, I simply pulled out the bottom tray of the toaster and emptied out all the crumbs… needless to say this left some of my colleagues speechless!!

Seriously! Are there people out there that didn’t know about this tray????

 

Well, before I get carried away, I had my own little “learning” experience around the same time….

First let me ask, there has to, has to be other people out there that didn’t know this? Please!

I have to believe I’m not the only one!

So…. I have NEVER used the word “utmost” in my life, I always thought the phrase was “up most” (which I secretly still think makes more sense), but anyhoo, who am I to judge the Oxford Dictionary!

 

Now I suppose you are waiting for me to bestow upon you some practical ways in which you can improve your intellectual health, so here it goes!

 

  • First and for most, place yourself in a place that inspires you to learn.

 

  • Physical Exercise – Get the blood pumping, this is not only for your muscles but for your brain.
  • Minimizing Stress – take “you time”, put your phones, tablets, friends and family on silent for a bit, breath, relax and when you do sleep make sure it is uninterrupted.
  • Healthy Eating – Include in your diet Essential fatty acids, these build the insulation of the neurons in the brain – FACT!
  • Cut out foods with a high glycaemic index like sweets, most breads and a whole list of other stuff. http://www.theingredientstore.com/amescompany/GIindex.html
  • Mental Exercise: The brain is a muscle so exercise it, do a puzzle, download one of many brain games available for computers and for smart devices, do a crossword, Sudoku, discuss topics of real substance – not the latest celebrity pregnancy.

I also thought before I go, I would like to touch on another health issue that I think is equally as important and that’s emotional health, because lets face it, if your head is not in a good place, nothing else matters, your ability to see past your emotional problems mess with your ability to learn and ultimately puts a hold on your personal growth.

I recently found myself having to reassess what is important to hold on to and what I need to let go of, and which of these cloud judgement and stunt “awesomeness”!
My findings – well lets just say that anger, resentment, judgement, grudges and gossip have to go!

Its a process, but some people find it easier than others not to hold on to these things, and I’m fortunate to be one of these people. 🙂

So, go do some unpacking and reshuffling of the soul and see how revitalised you feel, this will unclutter your brain and you will think clearer, then once that has happened, CHALLENGE your brain, and CHALLENGE it some more!!

 

Albert Einstein wrote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
So find your place and find your purpose;)

About Sherina Shawe

"You have to do everything you can, you have to work your hardest, and if you do, if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining." from: Silver Linings Playbook.

20 ways to find Inspiration

20 Ways to find Inspiration

 

Looking for inspiration?

What is inspiration? This is the best definition that I can source on the Internet and I think it sums it up pretty well :

“Inspiration is that state of mind where you feel highly stimulated to do something. Your senses are heightened, you feel invincible, full of energy and enthusiasm and you are completely dedicated to what you are doing”

Inspiration is everywhere – you just have to know where to look. But remember .. “To get something you never had, you have to do something you have never done”

Here is my top 20 list of ways to be inspired …

  1. Co-workers. No 1 on my list for a reason! The ladies that I work with are amazing, incredible and inspire me every day – for a good laugh, for a chat and for a brainstorming session. These ladies are not just co-workers, they are my colleagues and friends.
  2. Nap/Sleep/Rest – sometimes your brain just needs to take a break, switch off for a while and allow the serotonin levels to restore. A short 30 minute nap can sometimes do the trick. Alternatively, a good night’s sleep can also do wonders. “ There is nothing that a good sleep or a good laugh can’t fix”
  3. Internet/Social Media -Twitter is a good place to look for inspirational people to follow. Search using #inspiration.
  4. Pinterest – this is such fun! I love Pinterest. You can browse through many boards online according to your interests – quotes, food, fashion, hobbies, to name but a few, all providing loads of inspiration. You can even choose what inspires you, create your own boards, and pin your own pictures. You can follow people and their boards and they can follow you too.
  5. LinkedIn – another professional website where you can connect with like-minded people and groups with similar interests.
  6. Outdoors – take it outside! Go for a walk or a jog and if you have a dog, take your dog with you. Roxy, my dog, always gets so excited to go for a walk. You can gain inspiration from the sights, sounds and even smells around you. When the jasmine is in full bloom and I walk around the neighbourhood I can smell it and its distinct, sweet smell reminds me that summer is on its way.
  7. Music – put headphones on and listen, really listen to your favourite music, be it Beethoven or head-banging stuff – whatever music you like. Clear your head and just focus on the music, the beat, the lyrics.
  8. Art – going to an art gallery, viewing an art exhibition or art display is always inspiring. Don’t feel like going out, no worries, you can view art on your computer in the comfort of your own home, start by searching on Google.
  9. Journal – carry one, a small one, that fits in your bag with a pen to jot down your thoughts, ideas and observations as they come to you, wherever you may be.
  10. Travel – even a short road trip over a few hours with a friend or your partner can be just as inspirational as a longer trip. Enjoy the experience, and remember the journey starts from the moment you close your front door behind you.
  11. Exercise – go to the gym, go for a run, ride your bicycle, dance – but do an exercise you enjoy as it stimulates the brain cells, gives your mind a break AND it works the body and who doesn’t want a hot, fit body?
  12. Quotes – there are some amazing quotes out there. You can register on websites and get daily inspirational quotes emailed to you every day. For a quick pick-me-up or a positive note to start your day. I love Dr Seuss – he is so quirky … My favourite is “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose”
  13. Learn – something new, something that interests you, something you never thought you could do – I LOVE to do this! There is a whole big wide world waiting to be discovered out there and you can start at your computer by looking at eHow or Wikihow websites for some ideas. It can be something small like learning to make profiteroles (something I still haven’t mastered!) or more adventurous like learning to speak a new language. Remember, “Knowledge is Power”
  14. Read – a book by your favourite author, or try someone new. Autobiographies are always an interesting read. Not into books, there are other options for shorter reads, magazines, newspapers and even blogs on-line. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” – Dr Seuss
  15. Thoughts – replace all your negative thoughts with positive ones. What a difference this makes! Start small – every time you have a negative thought like.. I can’t do this – replace it with “Actually, I am going to give this a try!”
  16. Sing – in the shower, when you are driving in your car, when you are out walking or jogging – loudly and with vigour to your favourite song. Ok, maybe if you are shy, start in the shower!
  17. Get Creative – take up a new hobby, draw, paint, photography, scrap-booking, something you haven’t tried before, but would like to. You may be pleasantly surprised.
  18. Embrace – a new healthy habit, like eating less sugar, drinking more water, using less salt – start small and your body and mind will thank you for it.
  19. You – can be your own inspiration! Look in the mirror, Gorgeous, and remember all your victories. What you have overcome to be where you are now

    And finally ….. ( my all time favourite)


  20. Write – a bucket list of all the things you would like to do in your lifetime, and it can include simple things like try Sushi, own a goldfish, learn to ride a motorbike to the more adventurous like skydiving, travel to Greece etc. Then, remember to refer to your list often and tick the items off as you do them and add more as you think of them.

 

We all want to feel moved and then use that to create love, joy, passion and purpose in our lives.

And so to finish, I will leave you with this thought:

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go”

Dr Seuss.

 

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer