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!

Dignitas - a story

I just read this story http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8149166.stm and I am left confused as to what I believe about this. A couple choosing to die together after 54 years, is in many ways a wonderful story of love. But I often struggle to accept the role of Dignitas... I was once in favour, until my parents died. The pressures of these experiences, both very different, led me increasingly to see the dangers of assisted suicide. What do you think of this?

Do you 'sing your music'?

I was thinking about Michael Jackson's death and I was struck by the thought that he could never be accused of 'going to his grave with his music still in him', as sadly too many people do. This prompted this month's newsletter - see
http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. If you are a fan of the well-known quotation by Oliver Wendell Holmes, have a read. Also, my newsletter promotes a wonderful new interactive online self-coaching programme by Robin Sharma. I hope you enjoy reading it...

Obama's speech in Egypt

I was so happy to see Obama’s speech (see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/us/politics/04obama.text.html?_r=4 for transcript), that I supported this petition gladly and wanted to spread the word to others who might feel the same. See http://www.avaaz.org/en/obama_stop_settlements/?cl=245929568&v=3424 for details and to sign it.

Happiness tips

This month I have written my quick tips on being happy - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

MPs' expenses and why it matters

I saw Stephen Fry interviewed recently, when he said that, really, the upset over MPs' expenses was not appropriate – that there were far more important things to care about. And this made me pause and consider – is he right? But I continued to feel upset by what I see as betrayal of trust and to wonder why this hurts so much.

I have concluded that much of my anger comes from (a) a concern that I can no longer trust people, who succumb so easily to personal greed, to make decisions objectively, since personal interest may sometimes intrude; (b) that is sad that all MPs will suffer being tainted by this (and they are not all greedy); (c) most importantly: there are so many really important things to care about, how dare they distract us and themselves from the job they are supposed to be doing?

This situation also poses a small dilemma for me… my own MP, Philip Hollobone, appears to be one of the decent ones – see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7845210.stm. I don't usually vote Conservative, but I can't help feeling he deserves my vote!

Taking personal responsibility

An incident with loss of electricity was an opportunity to learn more about taking responsibility for our reaction to events - we may not have control over events, but we do have control over our response to them. See my newsletter for more on this topic: http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Susan Boyle

I realise this posting is a little late but I have only just discovered Susan Boyle and the clip of her singing on YouTube.com. I am not a fan of much TV, so I missed her performance on Britain's Got Talent. See her here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY.

I have long been passionate about how unimportant appearance is, in terms of human value. I hate that we are all supposed to fit the same mould, that beauty is defined for us and that this makes so many people feel uncomfortable with themselves. Judging someone based on how they look is ridiculous, but it happens all the time. What wonderful evidence Susan provides that it is best to judge slowly and that we all have hidden value. What a beautiful person she is.

Nurturing relationships

I couldn't resist writing about how great it feels to be happily married for 20 years - see my newsletter at http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. And of course, I also write about what I consider to be the important tips for achieving a long-term strong and successful relationship, (not necessarily a marriage). It all comes down to a single word: 'nurture'.

Plus a final plea for votes in Britain's Next Top Coach competition!
Many thanks to those who vote for me!

Please vote for me!

Britain's Next Top Coach - my entry

I find myself in a competition - unusual for me, but I believe it is a worthwhile competition to raise awareness of the benefits of life coaching.

Please watch my coaching tip video on an easy habit which will increase happiness and health. If you like it, I would really appreciate your vote!

Many thanks.
Jacky Pratt

20 years of happiness and a trip to New Zealand

My honeymoon, 20 years ago, included a week on the North Island of New Zealand. Ever since, we have wanted to return there, but been put off by the distance and our perceived need for several weeks of holiday. Finally, for our 20th wedding anniversary, we decided to do it anyway and spend 15 nights there. Most of our stay was on South Island – the West Coast. What a place! Stunning mountains, lakes, fiords… and exciting things to do on them. The weather was kind to us and we managed cruises on Milford and Doubtful Sounds, hiking in crampons on a glacier, landing on another glacier in a ski-plane and tandem parasailing. We visited wineries and drank wonderful wine, then finished with three days of sunshine in the Bay of Islands. I am now hoping to escape without too much jet lag from the 13 hours time difference! And I am delighted to have returned to a more Spring-like UK than the one I left in late February!

Inspirational stories

My March newsletter contains a number of short inspirational stories to lift the spirit. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html. I talk about how many defeats Lincoln endured before being elected President, an inspirational father-son team, and a Blue Peter story of encouragement. Also, new online self-coaching programmes featuring the work of Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie and Robin Sharma. Please take a look!

The power of gratitude

We may be living in difficult times economically, but we still have much to be grateful for, and recognising this will improve health and hppainess - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.

Obama - my favourite bits of his speech

It was so inclusive - I know he has to work on America's behalf, but there was a great focus on USA's place in, and contribution to, the world.

My favourite section was:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

Don't take yourself too seriously!

This was the topic of my January newsletter - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/89229.html.