Mistakes – It’s All Good

Have you seen the new BBC comedy "W1A"? The hapless, fictional Head of Values Ian Fletcher has a catchphrase "It's all good" which he uses as his world regularly disintegrates around him. It's a relentlessly positive trope which allows him to plough on regardless and although he is a tragi-comic figure we should take some comfort from his mantra because mistakes are OK. Ironically, "W1A" portrays a BBC that is so petrified of making mistakes that it is paralysed by management jargon, political correctness and obfuscation, but in reality to achieve anything you have to be prepared to make mistakes. It is those people who pick themselves up and carry on that win life's prizes. Resilience is the key. In fact resilient, successful people love talking about mistakes... And even singing about them. "Mistakes, I've made a few" Frank Sinatra "Mistakes are the portals of discovery" James Joyce "The only things one never regrets are one's mistakes" Oscar Wilde "There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons" Denis Waitley "Do...
Read More

What Does Success Mean To You?

What does success mean to you?  One persons success criteria are another's worst nightmare. But, there does seem to be some consensus among acknowledged "Success Stories" that could be useful to us "strivers" as we battle with life's trials, tests and temptations.   All successful people know that you will fail far more often than you will succeed. The key to success is not to fear failure. Successful people persevere, learn from mistakes and always, always go the extra mile. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill Most people will agree that you will feel successful if you fulfil your potential. You are a success if you are achieving the best that you can be. That may not equate to a gold medal or becoming a millionaire but if you can objectively and honestly evaluate the effort that you've invested and the steps that you've taken to fulfil your goals then that, my friend,...
Read More

IWD A day of Inspiration

From the very start, the Jungle International Women's Day Conference promised to live up to the theme "Inspiring Change" - and then some!  But don't take our word for it here's the video! The day's presenter, Arti Halai, herself a well respected and successful broadcaster and businesswoman, began the day by reminding delegates that women still have far to go in the struggle for equality and diversity, especially at the top levels of business. Women are still experiencing shocking levels of "everyday sexism" and too few women are achieving their potential. Roll up your sleeves, this was going to be a crusade. And yet, IWD is also a cause for celebration and, looking around the room it was clear that women are achieving phenomenal success despite the challenges, and this was the perfect opportunity to learn and share. As Arti put it, "This conference is going to be a celebration, a crusade and an education." After a welcome from conference organiser and UK...
Read More

Big Hairy Audacious Goals!

Don't limit yourself to small 'achievable' goals why not set yourself some really Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG's) The concept BHAG's (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) was introduced in 1994 by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in their book entitled Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.    From a corporate perspective a BHAG is meant to encourage companies to define visionary goals that are more strategic and emotionally compelling.  These goals are often so big that they are almost impossible to achieve without consistently working outside of a comfort zone and displaying corporate commitment and confidence. BHAG's however are not just for large corporates - they are for everyone!    So why not start visualising your biggest, wildest dream(s) then write then down and  the year ahead the year that you take bold and life changing steps towards achieving your Big Hairy Audacious Goals!...
Read More