The dangers of Plan B

How often do you think "I must keep my options open"? Sometimes, having options to fall back on ensures the failure of the thing you most want to happen. Plan A needs focus, and having a Plan B can ruin your chance of success. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html for more about the dangers of having a Plan B.

Boost your effectiveness

I recently wrote about how we often need others around us, in order to be really effective at what we wish to achieve. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/index.html. This is based on research which shows that exercising in a group is more effective.

What do you ignore each day?

I read a fascinating story about a famous violinist playing beautiful music in a metro station - and being ignored by almost everyone who passed by. What thing of beauty are you ignoring today? See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. What are you missing out on?

One good thing about growing older...

...is that we usually also feel happier. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8183522.stm for more details.

What is your compelling motivation?

Recently I have been pondering motivation... what creates it and what then helps to retain momentum? Motivation needs to be compelling, in order for us to remain committed to a goal. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html for my thoughts on this topic.

One brave lady!

Have you heard about Lubna Ahmed Hussein? I cannot imagine being brave enough to resign a UN job which provides immunity, and to risk 40 lashes if found guilty. Her crime was to wear trousers in Sudan and I applaud her courage in deciding to make this a test case. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8173714.stm for more details. I will add her to my list of heroes!

Leonard Cohen and the ironing!

Leonard Cohen live… the memory of him at the Albert Hall, maybe 35 years ago, has stayed with me always. One of the best concerts I ever went to, it was also one of the longest… he is generous with his time. So how did I come to miss his recent tour? I still wonder at this, but I have been hugely relieved that modern technology can semi-remedy this… I have just bought a DVD of last year's concert, also at the Albert Hall.

And now I know how to enjoy ironing! He has kept me company, in the most magical way, during this sometimes tedious activity. He has wonderful presence, with a boyish grin and humble thank yous to his audience, and the deepest, possibly sexiest, voice on the planet. Now, at 73, he sounded much the same as my memory of him all those years ago, but he has a bigger team on stage and he takes breaks from singing when others play instruments. I noticed for the first time perhaps why his music has always appealed to me so much – it has such Greek and Gypsy influences. It is music that you feel, rather than just listen to.

I love him all over again and wonder that I ever forgot this. I didn't entirely forget… he has been a soothing and surprisingly uplifting companion at times of trauma in my life, such as when my mother died. Listening to him has always helped me feel at peace. But my husband calls Cohen "music to slash your wrists to", so my listening is somewhat restricted. No more… I just need to generate more ironing!