I ve had so many enquiries from people itching to know when the Happy@work book is coming out. I've even got a television interview lined up! I ve hated keeping everyone waiting so long especially when so many people are out of work or stuck in jobs they hate. My prospective publishers have been swamped with prechristmas deadlines and have promised a decision by the end of the week.

The timing couldn't be better! The global economy is showing signs of improvement and confidence is slowly returning. I'm having a re read of the book and can honestly say I'm loving it! It's an upbeat, inspiring, practical read and is really helping me personally as i crystallize my future career and life direction.

I believe in the power of this book with such a passion I know it's going to be a reality. Bring it on!

Thanks to all my followers who have pre ordered and to all the people I have coached over the years who have shared their transformational stories. If you haven't pre ordered I'd love your support:) plus stayed tuned to www.cassandragaisford.com for new happy@work interviews... Coming soon... From economics professor to tango teacher!

Labels: achieving goals, Book Launch, Communication, Overcoming setbacks, The Book

Self belief is a critical determinant of happiness and success yet sometimes an elusive factor. So many things conspire to weaken our self belief:
criticism from others
self criticism
perfectionism and overly high self standards
lack of focus and discipline
under resourcing - time, money, training
lack of encouragement

all of the above and others took swipe at my self belief recently when I went back to study. Family and friends said I was crazy, classes were over subscribed, money was tight, relationships strained, stress levels high, a horrible group critique that left one student crying, under-funding and indifferent tutors, impatience with lack of skill combined with minimal one to one tutoring eroded the belief I could turn my dream into a reality and made it "easy" for me to throw in the towel.

Passion, skill, and belief all determine success and happiness in life but with no belief you are destined to fail.

What did my recent experience teach me. In my case a large factor was suffering from way too much stress - as you'll see later I really needed to get that under control. Critical self belief boosters also include:
surrounding yourself with people who believe in you
remind yourself of and focus on prior achievements
don't settle for less - ask for your needs to be met
affirm your strengths
recognize areas for development and allow time for talent to develop
perservere in the face of setbacks
find another way around obstacles
get a mentor, coach, or tutor
practise, practise, practise
be positive
allow no doubt - fake it til you make it
fuel your desire - build a strong mental, emotionally evocative picture of your end goal
find role models who succeeded despite the odds
prioritize - don't spread yourself too thin
know when to give up, know when to stay

where to from here for me?
timing is everything. As Thomas Edison once said, " I haven't failed, I've succeeded in finding ways that didn't work".

I still have belief - I'm just clearer about what didn't work:
Being stressed to the max didn't work
juggling study with a new relationship didn't work
juggling two mortgages and finding two new tennants and try and study didn't work
lack of encouragement didnt help
moving between 3 homes and two campuses didn't work
crises with teenager didn't work
studying with savvy 18 year olds in over subscribed classes didn't work
house sitting and minding a dog didn't work
relying on others in group assignments didn't work
working two jobs and running a business didn't work


Gosh! No wonder it didn't work! But when the timing is right it still can. I know I can self study, I know I can apply for entry into year two in Dec. Mostly I know I need to take time to get my mojo back after an extremely stressful two years. And I know I need to take time out to clarify what's truly important and how best to achieve it.

How about you? What do you need to do to boost your self-belief?








waning passion for a career as an architect certainly didn't work

Labels: achieving goals, diary of an architect, Happiness, Motivation, Overcoming setbacks, passion, Powerful Creativity, Powerful thinking, Productivity

I received this lovely feedback last month - but only just found it in my in-tray:


"Congratulations on being true to yourself and making your dreams become your reality.

I just love reading about people who “walk the talk” – and who are taking big, bold, exciting steps.

It is wonderful.

Warmest wishes for continuing a very successful life….
Liz, Career Consultant, Career Services rapuara

It really made my day - especially as this is day 2 of my course. I'd be lying if I said there weren't times when I thought "oh, my god, what am I doing?" There's even been times when I wanted to quit! So soon, I hear you say! But I'm not quitting, I 'm staying even though all this new learning is blowing my mind, even though assignments are already stockpiling, even though I'm trying to live a balanced life and make room for my partner and his needs, even though as of Thursday I'll be officially homeless (I've rented out the house to fund my studies).

What keeps me there? The share challenge - and the fact that for the first time in my life I am studying my true path with heart - creating healing, sustainable, organic architecture that feeds peoples mind, body and soul:)

I also remind myself how lucky I am to have this opportunity and affirm my courage - over the years I've career counselled many people too frightened, too lazy, too comfortable, or too suppressed to make a change for the better. I hope my journey inspires others:) If i can find a way - you can too!

Labels: achieving goals, diary of an architect, Happiness, Motivation, Overcoming setbacks, passion, Powerful Creativity, Powerful thinking

“The best thing you can do right now is to get a safe job,” my well meaning mother told me when I announced I was going to use the economic downturn to go back and retrain. Forget about the fact that there aren't many "safe" jobs out there, and I've plateaued in my current field. I NEED a new challenge or I'll go stir crazy “That’s scary,” said a friend. “I need some of what you have – courage, pleaded another, inspired by my ability to surge forward in the wake of challenges. “How do you do it?” asked another.

Fear is the biggest risk
To survive through a recession, over 43% surveyed in May 2008 by Uk firm Common Purpose think it will be important to take more risks. In today’s complex and rapidly shifting business world, it seems that being paralyzed by fear into inaction is the biggest risk of all, and the predictions are that people’s appetite for risk-taking in the workplace is likely to increase as the economy enters a recession. Taking calculated risks is very different to acting rashly – risk is an inseparable part of entrepreneurship, innovation, progress and success. The challenge is, however, that biologically human beings are hardwired to avoid risk at all costs. Proactive, vigilant, inspired and courageous action is needed in buckets full to steer away from the inherent risks of inertia toward to sunrise of success.

My favorite strategies for boosting courage and taking risks during the fear of a recession:

People often ask me what the secret to my success is – the great news is that there is no secret. The success factor is simple – remind yourself that you are in control, take calculated action toward your dreams, have a back up plan in case it all goes to custard, and, very importantly, have faith that what ever happens you’ll handle it.

Some of the things I do to boost my courage – especially in the face of discouragement, negative input and other potential handbrakes are:

Get inspired – I feed my courage with inspirational input from a variety of sources. These include books about people. I'm proactively weeding out badrap and filling my daily diet with gladrap - good news stories and signs that my new career direction is, or will, show an upturn in the not too distant future. With predictions of on going housing shortages and the Government announcing pllans to finance the building of new home, coupled with natural disasters requiring more housing to be created - and an increasing need for sustainable, affordable home - I reckon I'm pretty safe with architecture.
e living their dreams, inspiring quotes, DVD’s; goggle searches, positive people

I take action in spite of fear or uncertainty – better to take baby steps toward your preferred future than no steps at all. Currently I’m walking toward studying architecture full time by looking at funding options, minimising my outgoings i.e. renting my house, talking to people who can help etc and having a back up plan like doing papers by correspondence if it all turns to custard

I’m following my passion – trust your feelings. What inspires you? Gives you life, feeds your soul, and absorbs your every waking moment. For me it’s organic architecture and creating happy, healthy environments. The wheel hub on the back of my car say’s, “I’m following my passion, are you?” It’s a humorous and daily reminder to walk the talk

Living with purpose – linked to passion is purpose – the idea of working in a field to improve people’s lives gives me a motivating, sustaining sense of purpose

Stay away from critics – right now my own family is totally unsupportive of my plans to go back and study so I do the only thing I can do and shut them out of this part of my life. I know from experience they always come around – they just lack the vision I have to know where and why I am heading off on a new course. I do this with no attachment – free of negative emotion

Share my experience – I guess you could call this a form of paying it forward. By putting into practice what I am learning and sharing it with others I draw strength especially when people email me their support and tell me how I inspire them. I gain encouragement by encouraging others.

Mediate and maintain worklife balance – mind, body and soul are all connected. During times of change I put extra effort into ensuring I eat well (I barely touch a drop alcohol, I keep to a ration of 1 coffee a day, drink plenty of water, take vitamin b supplements, eat fresh fruit and vege), ensure Ilaugh a lot, take time out and meditate regularly are just some of the ways I manage what often is the stressful process of change – even happy times are stressful times and more so when you’re caught in transition.

Maintain the faith – related to meditating and taking time out is the importance of maintaining a positive expectancy spiritual perspective. This feeds hope. Without hope and a philosophical approach you have nothing.

Keep my eye on the future - I always, always project out 2-5 years and anticipate how life will be when I have achieved my goals. That way I’m future proofed to ensure success and I have something exciting to inspire action.

Gratitudes – whatever happens I remind myself of how lucky I already am. you are when I focus on this luck more good luck comes. I’m lucky I wasn’t caught in recent Australian bushfires, I ‘m lucky to have opportunities, I’m lucky to be healthy, I’m lucky to have this laptop on which to write, I’m lucky to be born in a country that gives women choices. I’m lucky to have the friends I do etc So much to be grateful for.

Gratitudes are an important part of training your mind for success – it would be easy to focus on the things that are going so well or are troubling me at the moment, and the many answered challenges that lie ahead – but doing so would be totally detrimental to going forward with any semblance of confidence.


Look, listen, feel, think, speak and act in the direction of where I want to be. Listening to inspirational music like Duffy’s song “distant dreamer” helps reignite my motivation to act!

“ I know there’s better things to come. When life gets tough and I feel like giving up, I hold onto a distant star. I’m thinking of all the things I’d like to do with my life. I’m a dreamer, a distant dreamer. Dreaming for a brand new day,” she sings.

What’s the worst that can happen – anticipating all the things that could go wrong is a great way to get the demons out of your mind and start tackling solutions. Whenever I am feeling fearful I get out a piece of paper and list all my worries and fears – and then I list some more. I uncover more by asking myself the following: “and what else could happen? And what else?” Then I assess the likelihood of them really happening.

Many of our worries often have very little likelihood of happening at all – especially if you take proactive steps to avoid or minimise them.

Supposing your worst-case scenario did happen – would that really be so bad? For example, if I really stop to think about it going off to study architecture is a bit scary – there’s a lot to learn and money is going to be super tight. I’ve already minimized financial pressure by reducing spending in advance and renting out my house.

Re having a lot to learn – the worse that could happen is that a flunk out and don’t make into year 2 – places are highly competitive and reserved for top performers. If I failed would this be so bad? The “fear” fo this happening means I’ll work dam hard to make sure I don’t fail but if I do I’ll find another way to make my dream a reality – I take courage and inspiration from reading about the many architects that never finished, or even began, formal training. Architectural greats like Frank Lloyd Wright, Carlo Scarpa, and Tadao Ando spring quickly to mind.

Keep your goals visible and affirm for what you want - Related to the above I recall how, after failing my first exam, at University many years ago, I turned that setback into a teaching moment by looking at what I did wrong and changing the way I studied and prepared dramatically. I put a note over my desk where it was clearly visible which said, “ I have failed this time but next time I will get 80%.” My friends cautioned me that I was setting myself up for failure. “ It’s not realistic to go from 25% to 80%,” they warned.

Because their doubts where bringing me down I moved the post-it note somewhere more private, but still visible, and stopped telling people what I was trying to achieve. Keeping negative thoughts away, keeping my goals visible, affirming for what I wanted, and taking proactive, constructive steps to achieve my goals helped me get 78% - 2 % short of my intention but still a most excellent and pleasing result!

Keep your emotions in check - You may begin to feel tremendously courageous and have a great need to exercise your will and to determine where you are going and what you are doing. Be warned that because you will be motivated by tasks that relate to your own personal objectives you can be drawn into conflict with others. Sometimes this can arise from what they consider your selfishness and excessive self-involvement. Or as you pursue your own goals you may come into conflict with another whose goals are not in harmony with yours. No matter which of these alternatives you encounter, this is a time for enlightened self-interest. But you must continually remember the people around you and be very careful not to alienate them any more than necessary.

Unless you learn to keep your emotions under check there is a real danger of needless disputes, irritability, emotionalism, rash action and hastiness, which may result in problems later.

One of the ongoing challenges is to successfully let off steam without making an unnecessary shambles. If you frequently feel somewhat discouraged about yourself, you should be especially careful as you may be hyper-sensitive. You may see everything that comes your way as a threat and react much too defensively. If you have a bolder and more self-confident temperament you may be inclined to act too quickly, to be hasty and overcritical of others.

If you are like me you may find, while all your energy is going into building up your courage, it is difficult to handle other people for a while. At such times I often head off on a self-imposed retreat until things, or rather I cool down and regain perspective. In some cases it is a matter of allowing other people involved in some way, whether this is family, friends, or business associates, to cool down too.

Future Proof Your Income - Are you worried your organisation might trim staff numbers in the wake of the global credit crisis? If you are self-employed, are you worried your business won’t survive? While you may have reason to worry, with proactive action you can survive and thrive in the wake of this crisis.

• First, stay positive. It’s important not to panic. Many of the strategies I have shared in this eBook are ones I practice diligently – every minute of every day. Any little streak of negativity can open up hairlines cracks in my wall of confidence.

• Next think of ways to generate revenues or cut costs. Proactively identify ways to work smarter not harder - either by generating more revenue using existing capacity or by trimming waste. Concentrate i on finding places to pinch pennies, or identifying cheap new sources of revenue. Or both. This is something I have done last year as I laid the foundation for the years to come. I’ve already mentioned renting out my home, starting a new business line and trimming expenses.

• Be visible. Now is not the time to go on leave. Out of sight out of mind – you may find your position could be axed while you're gone, Even if things have slowed down and the workload isn’t what it used to be now is not the time to cruise in around ten o'clock either. It’s all about perception management – if you look busy chances are the bosses will think they can’t do without you. Make it clear how invaluable you really are by identifying ways to stand out and distinguish yourself. If you're in sales, get your numbers up. Nobody will be laying off star salespeople. Get out from behind your desk and increase your visibility – proactively network and help others achieve their goals with your help whenever possible.

• Next ensure there is always a demand for your services by creating exceptional value.

• Update your skill set. Future proof your career by staying in tune with marketable skills and experience. What social, economic or technological changes are coming up and how can you be work-ready with the skills, knowledge or training required? This may mean forking out of your own pocket but the reality is companies get rid of people whose skills are obsolete. Take classes, join trade organisations, and prove you're in the know. Consider going back to school, perhaps even by correspondence, to show your employer you're serious about your career and your performance. Ask your way to success by finding out what is most relevant and needed by your current organisation. Future proof your career and ensure a good return on investment by finding out how marketable your new skill set will be outside your organisation.

Pursue your passion not your pension! Maybe your current position is perfectly "safe." But think about it for a while and you may find yourself wondering: Is "safe" good enough? Maybe it's time to change jobs anyway -- and heed the immortal words of Keith Richards, "I'm gonna leave while it's still fun/ I'm gonna walk before they make me run."

Doing what you love and doing it well is also a cure during economic downturns. There will always be a demand for people who love what they do and who do it well. The key to recession proofing your career and surviving and thriving in the face of uncertainty is knowing how to do what you love and still pay the bills. If you have no idea how to find your passion Happy@Work Job Hunting for Mid-lifers+ will show you how. Follow this link to for free downloadable preview

And finally, cultivate confidence and optimism. Opinions vary re whether we are really headed for a recession. Even the experts can’t agree. Things may not be so bard after all. But many economists agree that pessimistic, recessionary thinking and self-talk can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

As the National Bank economists said in their August 2008 Economic Outlook, “We cannot stress the importance of confidence enough. It’s not a key driver of wealth, but critical for maintaining momentum. Economics and business cycles are as much about human behaviour, the feel-good factor and risk appetites – as well as the laws of supply and demand.... it’s a game of confidence.... the danger is that fear and caution becoming self-fulfilling. Signs of improving confidence is the first critical step.”

Labels: achieving goals, Overcoming setbacks

Boosting Courage During the Fear of A Recession


It’s the 21st of February 2009 and as I write this there is no doubt that the worldwide economy is reeling in the wake of a global credit crunch (and might I add as a result of too much consumerism, corporate greed and shoddy ethics). The media is churning out piece after piece of fear inducing coverage on topics such as increasing crime, corporate theft, foreclosures and increasing mortgage payment defaults, unparalleled job layoffs, job insecurity crippling debt, bad loans and more gloom and doom than you can possibly stomach in a day.

With all the focus on despair it is no wonder the world has come to a grinding halt and consumer and business confidence is at the lowest point in decades. But what about the good news stories – many businesses are reporting record growth, some are expanding into new markets, taking on new employees and even turning work away? You don’t see these stories very often in the media. What happened to balanced coverage? And importantly how is this lack of balance impacting your decisions?

• Are you staying in a job you hate because you’re afraid you won’t find one you’ll love?
• Are you delaying starting a business because you’re surrounded by news of business failure?
• Are you hanging onto your savings rather than invest in retraining or other strategies to help you advance and future proof your career?
• Are you working longer and longer hours because your afraid the boss will think you’re a slacker and lay you off?
• Is your mind racing and racing with so many bad news scenarios you can’t sleep at night?
• Are you afraid to take a risk or do something truly innovative because everyone urges you to be careful?


My favorite strategies for boosting courage and taking risks during the fear of a recession:

People often ask me what the secret to my success is – the great news is that there is no secret. The success factor is simple – remind yourself that you are in control, take calculated action toward your dreams, have a back up plan in case it all goes to custard, and, very importantly, have faith that what ever happens you’ll handle it.

I'm working on a new e-Book "Courage: simple, inspiring and powerful ways to challenge your fears" at the moment. If you could do with a dose of courage check back here shortly - I'll let you know when I've finished it! It will be filled with some of the things I do to boost my courage – especially in the face of discouragement, negative input and other potential handbrakes.

Labels: achieving goals, Overcoming setbacks, Powerful thinking

Several days ago I received this comment my powerful creativity blog from one of the artists I invited to participate in my Joy'ance exhibition.
:
"No wonder people respond to your art in such a positive way Cassandra - it is created by such a joyful and generous spirit.
It's been an absolute pleasure exhibiting alongside you in Joy'ance.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Deanna X"

I felt great! Creating more positivity and joy in the world is important to me. But then several days later I received this email -

Cassandra,

Please note your account has been deactivated. Being a privately owned and run forum, the administrators can and have made the choice to deactivate based on personal differences of which we feel there is no need to go into further detail with.

We wish you well in your other endeavours

Administrators

As one very positive and wise colleague and fellow artist Monika Welch (www.artdziner.co.nz) reminded me today:

Sometimes, doors close, and sometimes doors are closed on us. This happened to me recently and initially it hurt and I felt somewhat betrayed and extremely slighted. Eventually I got over it and realised that it was a blessing in disguise. I had been immersed in a negative situation and instead of leaving, I chose to remain, treading water, tip-toeing around and feeling unsafe and somewhat overwhelmed. There are many doors available for us to open but sometimes we just stay in the same room unaware that we all have the wonderful choice to open another and peek inside. We can OPEN as many doors as we like. We can go THROUGH as many as we like. There is no need to stay struggling in the same negative environment.

I have chosen to open some more doors today:)

Anyway this latest turn got me thinking about the destructive, toxic energy of negativity. Many years ago a colleague said to me, "The Directors like you more than they like me." She then set about trying to undermine everything I did.

So many of the people who took the "happy@work survey mentioned that the negativity of others killed happiness levels at work. Don't forget you can have your say by clicking on the link from my websitecontact page

So what is the impact of negative co-workers and alliances?
* Lower productivity: it is hard to perform at your peak when others bring you down
* Lower self-esteem - greater effort is required to feel good about yourself when others criticise you
* Diminished confidence - confidence, like plants, needs the right nutrients to flourish
* Unless you remove yourself from the influence of negative people it is hard to achieve your potential - negative people enjoy seeing you fail
* Diminished or destructive creativity

So what do negative people gain:
* By making others feel small they make themselves feel tall
* They take other people's dreams and positive energy - some people call this the energy vampire effect
* By playing the wounded party they gain attention and support - many people don't like to see others feel sad or down (something negative people prey on and use to maximum effect
* Often by remaining negative they can absolve themselves from taking action to improve their situation
* Negative people want you to be just like them - "I was once told by someone I worked with :"the problem with you Cassandra is that you are too positive!"


How do negative people lose?

* Negative emotions carry toxic energy - polluting themselves and the people they infect
* Negative people attract negative people - like attracts like
* Negative people seldom reach their potential
* Negative people don't know how to celebrate other people's success - success in others makes them feel less than successful


I would love to hear your views and additions to this very topical thread. Did you know that most people have 80,000 thoughts a day and 85% of these are negative! Wow - no wonder economies are in crisis!

Do you remember these images from "What the bleep do we know" ? Just look at how negativity changes the molecular structure of DNA of spring water.

ps you will notice I have edited this thread as the people concerned took offense and threatened me with legal action....I really couldn't be bothered with all the drama (see how negative energy sucks up time.....I am supposed to working on the edits of my book!) The point of this thread was not to embark on a witch hunt or criticise those with mental illness but to powerfully illustrate the destructive power of negativity. I am grateful for the many messages of support including:

Someone obviously doesn't like your success. That was my first impression. Reminded me of the painting that some family members didn't want you to enter into competition. I have no idea what went on during the exhibition except for great art displayed by very talented artists. I would have been honoured to be associated with you because of your positive outlook on life.

It is a reminder that not everyone will like us or our ideas and views. You may have triggered something in her and rather than address any issues she has taken easy option to cut ties.

I am unsure if no longer having an account with Arttalk will hinder you in your work or may be an blessing in disguise. It is hard at the time to see why things happens but further done the track (maybe years) it is always clearer.

I'm sure there are lessons you have learnt from this in regards to people changing. I feel for you as you are obviously shocked and disappointed however no one can take away the fabulous, motivating, inspiring, talented person you are. At the end of the day it is her loss. Keep smiling.

“I truly believe that absent the victim mentality, everyone - regardless of background, education, or ability - can carve out a good path for themselves in this tumultuous work place.” - Richard Bolles, Author

Labels: Communication, Happiness, Overcoming setbacks, Powerful thinking

As promised here is a progress update.

Very appropriately I have just finished the updates for the chapter focusing on ways to finance your career.

As with all the chapters in "Happy@work: career changing for mid-lifers" I have followed these strategies myself. Donna Summer sums it up well when she says"“Nobody wants you to stop, obviously because you’re a moneymaking machine. But you have to make the decision and you have to move forward. So I took time off to have babies and do all that. ”

I choose to take time out in my career to raise my daughter - so I started my own business. The business grew so big so fast that when I started wanting to change and follow my new hearts desire it was so hard to stop....my clients kept wanting me to keep going. Now I have to turn my attention to ways to slow down this side of my business, follow my new passions and still pay the bills.

I think you will love this chapter. I'll share my best finance your career tips and also the wisdom of many of the people I have helped over the years.

Here's what one of my business acquaintances, Cho Chan shared with me recently"

Cho Chan is consciously slowing down in his business in order to have time out to reflect about living and what he wants to do next. In order to generate enough cash flow to live on he borrowed $200,000 – the maximum he could borrow from his bank asset using his current set of accounts.

“My view we accumulate assets for are for future benefit of it. In order to change an asset to cash flow one way is to borrow. Many people worry about repayments and increasing debt. Yet the reality is if you can’t spend your savings (your assets are savings – i.e. your house, investments, property, shares etc) what is the point of saving?”

Cho is using this money to buy him two years `of time so that he can build a plan to achieve his next dream – to do exactly what he wants.

Cho knows a thing or two about money - he has had many finance and investment related careers in his 52 years including: “systems analyst, financial planner, systems accountant, financial systems accountant, financial systems consultant, account manager, polytechnic tutor in business, property valuer and property manager and investor.

"The business was roaring at the time. When you are on a treadmill you can’t just run and suddenly stop – or you will crash. You have to take time to slow down. Since 2003 (five years) I have been planning and cutting down expenses.”

The funny thing is that Cho this idea from me. He looked at me and watched how I took time out from my business to reforge my next career path and thought, “If Cassandra can do it I can too!”

Both Cho and I agree that leaping into a new direction with inadequate planning is a recipe for disaster. But so is staying in a career that no longer gives you a thrill. Financing your career maybe the most signicant investment you ever make - paying back huge dividends in all areas of your life. These benefits can include increased health and welll-being, improved rleationships with family and friends, imprved quality of life or, in the longer term, increased salary and benefits.

Resist the tendency to view any borrowings as “debt”. Take a longer term view. As Cho says, “My advise is that if you need to sell or borrow to generate cash flow or to repay your lifestyle – just do it!”

I have two more chapters to edit for section 6 "strategies for success" and then I will be onto the "wrapping it up section." This section is important because this is where you will consolidate all that you have learned and develop a vision and action plan to help ensure your dreams become your future!

Labels: Career Creation, Overcoming setbacks