Articles

Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal isn't mere nonsense; it's a powerful tool for creating positivity and well-being. In a world often dominated by stress and negativity, a gratitude journal offers a daily reprieve, encouraging individuals to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives. Acknowledging and appreciating even the smallest joys or accomplishments, shifts focus from what's lacking to what's present. Scientifically, such practices have been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress, and heightened overall happiness. The act of consciously expressing gratitude fosters mindfulness, cultivating a habit that, over time, can lead to a more optimistic and resilient mindset.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Signs of professional burnout

Professional burnout is a pervasive and complex phenomenon that occurs when individuals, typically in high-demand professions, experience chronic workplace stress that surpasses their ability to cope effectively. This condition is characterised by a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, leading to a sense of detachment and cynicism towards their job. The three main dimensions of burnout, as identified by psychologist Christina Maslach, include emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

The glory of consistency

Consistency is the key to achieving long-term success, often more reliable than relying solely on motivation. While motivation provides the initial spark, it tends to fluctuate and may not be sustainable over time. On the other hand, consistency involves forming habits and routines that become ingrained in your daily life.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Fortune favours the bold

Boldness transforms lives by pushing us beyond comfort zones and into growth. From voicing opinions to embracing risk, bold decisions can lead to powerful self-discovery and new opportunities. Here’s how to bring boldness into your everyday life.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

People-Pleasing: The Downsides

People-pleasing, a common behaviour, involves an excessive need for approval, often at the expense of authenticity. Those who engage in people-pleasing may struggle with setting boundaries, experience burnout, and risk losing their true selves in the pursuit of meeting others' expectations, hindering personal growth and genuine connections.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Self-esteem - Boost it now!

Self-esteem is the subjective evaluation of one's worth, influenced by personal beliefs, achievements, and relationships. It encompasses confidence, self-respect, and a positive self-image. Healthy self-esteem involves recognising one's abilities, embracing imperfections, and maintaining a balanced view of oneself in various aspects of life.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Control is in your hands

The Locus of Control is a psychological concept that refers to an individual's belief regarding the degree of control they have over their life events. Developed by psychologist Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s, this concept classifies people into two categories: those with an internal locus of control and those with an external locus of control.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Simple and achievable goals

Setting simple and achievable goals for 2024 is a powerful way to guide personal growth and foster a sense of accomplishment. Start by reflecting on areas of your life that you'd like to improve, whether it's in your career, relationships, health, or personal development. Keep these goals realistic and specific to increase the likelihood of success. - Don’t go bloody crazy. Goals don’t have to be insane, the idea in improvement not world domination.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

As the New Year dawns

As the New Year dawns, many people embark on the tradition of setting resolutions, aiming to usher in positive change. However, the challenge lies not just in establishing these goals but in maintaining the commitment to see them through. To increase the likelihood of sticking to New Year's resolutions, consider the following strategies.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Setting goals that align with your values

Setting goals that align with your values is a powerful strategy for fostering personal fulfillment and long-term satisfaction. When your goals are harmonious with your core values, they become more than mere achievements; they become meaningful milestones that resonate with the essence of who you are.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

I’ve only bought 2kg of Goose Fat

Christmas can bring joy and warmth, but it's not uncommon for it to be accompanied with a lot of stress. However, it's essential to recognise that stress doesn't have to be an inevitable part of the festivities.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Is it as bad as you think?

Gratitude, often overlooked in darker times, possesses pretty useful powers. Contemplating the positive aspects of life, from solid relationships to the simplest pleasures, creates a sense of appreciation. Recognising the support system that surrounds us brings hope, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in our journey. Even if you are broke down at the side of the motorway.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Picture a SMART goal

Specific: Goals should be clear and specific, leaving no room for ambiguity. Clearly define what you want to accomplish, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, and why.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

George Michael - Last Christmas

George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016, the iconic British singer, songwriter, and pop sensation, left an indelible mark not only on the music industry but also on the world through his philanthropic endeavours. While his soulful voice and chart-topping hits captivated audiences globally, it is his commitment to charitable causes that distinguishes him as a compassionate humanitarian.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

The Sumo Mindset

The sumo mindset, rooted in discipline, resilience, and respect, offers transformative lessons for personal growth. By embracing balance, mindfulness, and dedication, this philosophy helps cultivate well-being, focus, and success, transcending the boundaries of traditional sport into everyday life.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Be more proactive

The art of being proactive, as articulated by Stephen Covey in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," represents a transformative approach to life and work. Proactivity is the proactive person's commitment to taking initiative, owning their choices, and recognising the power they have to shape their circumstances. It's an art that transcends mere action; it's about embracing responsibility for one's life and responses to the world around us.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Self-acceptance

In the tapestry of middle age, self-acceptance becomes a transformative thread weaving through the complex fabric of identity, your mind seems the same as ever, but your ability to get out of bed without groaning is unavoidable.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

The fabric of consumerism

Sarah, an avid smartphone enthusiast, cherished her iPhone 14 as more than just a device; it was a symbol of cutting-edge innovation, personal connectivity and status. The sleek design and advanced features made her believe it was the pinnacle of technology and provided her with bundles of electronic joy. Her iPhone 14 seamlessly integrated into her daily life, becoming an extension of herself. Even though the device fulfilled all her requirements, she was both curious and excited about the next incarnation and what magical features it would deliver.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

Why write a letter to yourself?

Writing a letter to yourself every quarter can be a transformative practice with numerous benefits. Firstly, it serves as a reflective tool, allowing you to track personal and professional growth over time. By articulating your goals, challenges, and achievements, you gain clarity on your journey and identify areas for improvement.

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Rick Lockwood Rick Lockwood

What is a bloke’s midlife crisis?

A male midlife crisis is a real phenomenon characterised by a period of psychological and emotional turmoil typically occurring in middle age, often around the age of 40-60. This casts images of a man with a receding hairline buying a flashy new sports car in the hope of impressing a trophy mate.

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