Igniting Your Spark(sm)

So winter is upon us in the northern hemisphere and for some that means slowing down, dreariness, staying inside and hibernating until spring arrives. Those options are available to everyone, but what a waste of time, energy (yes it does take energy to be a couch potato) and potential. Now is a good time to take advantage of the many opportunities to “sharpen the saw” as Stephen Covey puts it in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Another way to look at it is that this is the time to “Ignite Your Spark”. You know, the spark that gets and keeps the fire going at work, for you personally, with family, at school, in volunteer activities, etc. How? Let’s take a look at just a few of the possibilities for:

Igniting Your Spark at Work

· Clean your office. Clear out all of the clutter and unnecessary stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. This includes clearing out old files and e-mails on your computer. Did you know that clutter steals your energy, which makes you less effective?

· Once you clear the clutter look around to see if your office looks inviting or boring. If boring then consider how you can make it inviting, perhaps with new pictures or items representing your favorite hobby or just by moving things around.

· Take a few moments to reflect on when you first started your job. Think about what excited you enough to say yes to that job or type of work. What were you hoping to accomplish then? What are you hoping to accomplish now? How can you do what you do differently and still achieve desired results?

Igniting Your Creative Spark

· Give yourself permission to be creative always, in all ways. Yes it is that simple!

· Every once and a while look at life literally. This is especially interesting with conversations, commercials, and fast food restaurant signs.

· Ask effective questions. The basis for creativity and innovation is in asking questions. Along with this is to look for the third right answer. Curiosity can serve you well.

· Take risks. Act with boldness and outrageous audacity on occasion.

Igniting Your Wellness Spark

· Outline a wellness plan for the year. Break things down by week or month. Also make sure you vary things quarterly to keep yourself interested. Remember wellness includes what you are going to do for your body, mind and spirit. Be sure Fun is part of your plan.

· Take a class whether it is for yoga, Tai Chi, dance, art, canoeing, cooking or something related to your wellness plan.

· Throughout the day make it a point to get up and stretch. Move around to keep your energy flowing and your mind fresh.

As you see, there are many ways and areas of your life where you can ignite your spark. Once you set the intent to do so, things become easier and your life is enriched in the process.

Here’s to Igniting Sparks with Joy & Enthusiasm!

Antoinette



©2008 Antoinette Webster. All rights reserved. Antoinette is President of A System that Works. A System that Works focuses on co-creating a system that works…for Igniting Your Sparksm through speaking, training, consulting and coaching services along with various books and empowerment tools. Contact Antoinette at 513.887.0600, Info (at) A System that Works or www.ASystemthatWorks.com.