Recently we’ve been asking some of our staff members for their best life advice to publish in our newsletter, and everyone has been pleased to provide their own unique insight into life. Here is some of the advice given by our staff members over the past year – and why we think it’s a great idea.
“Don’t have a good day, have a great day!”
(Ben Levesque)
It’s all about mindset really. Most people want a happy and successful life, and one of the big keys to achieving that lies with how you perceive things. Our thoughts and views on life can have a huge impact on the way we experience the world. For instance, if we fail at something, we can either beat ourselves up about it, or use it as an opportunity to grow. Mindset matters – and cultivating a positive mindset is one of the best skills we can develop to help us view life differently.
If you set out with the mindset that you’re going to have a great day, you’re much more likely to do just that, as you’ll be on the lookout for the positive things that happen, and will be able to focus more on those than on the negative. Great reminder – thanks, Ben!
“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
(Ruth Hayne)
If we’ve learned anything from the tortoise and hare metaphor, it’s that going slowly and steadily does not prevent you from achieving in life. It can be easy to get discouraged when we are trying to learn something new or reach a challenging goal, and progress is slow – but that’s to be expected when you’re out of your comfort zone. As long as we are continuing to move forward, we are making progress, even if it feels very slow. Each small step we take is one step closer to our goal, and the only real failure is the failure to even try. And remember, even if you’re going slowly, you’re still lapping everyone who’s sitting on the couch!
Perseverance is an important skill to develop, because everyone faces difficulties along the way. But no matter how big the obstacles you face or how long it takes you, you can get to where you want to go with a healthy dose of determination, discipline and patience.
So, even if you’re going slowly, keep in mind that you’re still going somewhere – and that’s better than standing still. Thanks for the reminder, Ruth!
“Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you would want them to treat you.”
(Isabella Westwood)
The golden rule never goes out of fashion, and gives us a principle for life that encourages fair and respectful interactions, promotes empathy, reduces conflict and fosters positive relationships. If we all treated others as we would like to be treated, imagine what a harmonious society we would be living in! So, this week, let’s try putting ourselves in the shoes of another person and really try to understand their point of view. Practice empathy and compassion, and be friendly, helpful and courteous. Living by the golden rule will make us better people, make those around us happier and make the community we live in a better place. Great advice, Isabella, and thanks for the reminder!
“Run your own race.”
(Lisa Clark)
Everyone has their own unique circumstances, strengths and weaknesses; and we often run into problems when we try to conform to someone else’s expectations or standards. But it’s important to recognise that life isn’t a competition, that your journey is unique and it’s far better to move at a pace that feels right for you, rather than focussing on negative comparisons with others.
Running your own race in life, rather than constantly comparing yourself to others, means switching the focus to your own personal goals and individual journey. This approach reduces anxiety and comparison fatigue, helps foster self-acceptance and allows you to celebrate your unique progress and achievements. By defining your own path and striving for your definition of success, you can live a more fulfilling and authentic life and focus on your own journey. Wide advice – thanks, Lisa!
“You’re only given what you can handle.”
(Kristine Bettridge)
Sometimes life can throw curve balls our way, leading us to feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious and harassed. But it can help to lean into the idea that we’re not given more than we can handle. If a hard situation comes your way, resist wallowing in despair or playing the victim. Mindset matters. Rather, accept the fact that you are equipped to handle the situation, and that you’re capable of finding a way through it – and there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to. Thanks, Kristine!
“You don’t need to know everything – just be willing to learn.”
(Helen Lewis)
In today’s data-driven world, we’re drowning in information – and no one can possibly know all of it. This quote highlights the importance of a growth mindset and continuous learning, and focussing on the process, rather than perfection. It emphasises that while it’s impossible to know all the answers, having a proactive attitude towards acquiring knowledge and skills is crucial for personal and professional development. This helpful perspective encourages a focus on the learning process rather than the pressure of knowing everything upfront, and a mindset that embraces change and sees it as an opportunity for growth. Great reminder, Helen, thanks!
“Be in the moment.”
(Albert Zito)
With so much going on in today’s busy world, it can get harder and harder to just “be in the moment”. But it’s important that we do so. Being in the present moment – sometimes referred to as mindfulness – offers numerous benefits for well-being and mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety by focusing attention on the here and now rather than dwelling on past worries or future anxieties. It also enhances focus and productivity by allowing you to fully engage with the task at hand. And to make it even better, being present can improve relationships by fostering active listening and deeper connection. Essentially, being present in the moment allows you to fully experience life, appreciate the good, navigate challenges with greater resilience and be more fully engaged in your life, rather than being swept away by worries or distractions. And isn’t that something we could all use? Thanks, Albert!
“It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.”
(Danielle Howell)
This one is so very true (thanks, Danielle!). Because when it comes down to it, the quality of our lives is primarily determined by the people we share it with and the bonds we form, rather than the stuff we acquire. Relationships and connection are far more important than material possessions and accomplishments; but sometimes it takes us too long to realise this important truth. Material possessions can be lost, broken or become outdated, but the bonds we create with others can last a lifetime. Let’s use this as a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment are often found in the richness of our relationships.
“Do what you love and expect yourself to change on the journey”
(Ruth Hayne)
Pursuing our passions is an important part of life, and regularly taking part in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment often leads to increased motivation and creativity, and better overall wellbeing. But it’s wise to remember that as we engage with our passions, we will inevitably evolve and develop new perspectives. And this is a good thing, as personal growth is a continual process throughout our lives, and embracing growth and change is an essential part of a fulfilling journey, both in our personal and professional lives. It’s wise to embrace this change, rather than resisting it, as doing so can deepen your understanding of yourself and lead to further opportunities. Wise words, Ruth – thank you!
“Be the person you needed as a child.”
(Shayne Newton)
This is a great reminder for us all to try and be the kind of person that you wished you had around when you were a child. When you think back, you can probably remember a time when you needed help, guidance or support from a role model or mentor. If you got that support, you can probably also remember how much easier it made things; and if you didn’t find that support, you can probably remember how alone you felt. Consider this a call to be that support system for others today, especially those who feel alone or are struggling with aspects of life. Great advice, Shayne!
“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help and brave enough to ask for it.”
(Kylie Titlow)
Sometimes you need to be independent and self-sufficient, and sometimes you need to ask for help. The trick lies in knowing when your resources and abilities are sufficient, and when you need to seek assistance. And when you do need help, there’s no shame in asking for it, as we all need help sometimes. This is a great reminder, thanks, Kylie!
“Don’t sweat the petty stuff, and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.”
(Zoe Stringer)
Well, this one’s pretty self-explanatory – and we’re just going to leave that here! Thanks, Zoe!
