I often use the analogy in my coaching with assistants that we need "big match temperament" so what does this mean?

When a rugby or soccer player misses a kick they need to regroup as soon as possible to avoid more mistakes and missed chances. They need to get their head back in the game as quickly as possible to ensure the best result. This ability is immensely valuable in sport but also in life!

But what do most assistants do once they have made a mistake? They obsess about the mistake for days (who are we kidding...sometimes weeks), we feel that we have failed and thus we are a failure. This erodes confidence and creates a VERY unhelpful inner dialogue. The voice in your head then starts to create drama, havoc and intrigue where none originally existed. 

By focusing on the mistake we often stress ourselves out and make even MORE mistakes. When instead, we can (AND SHOULD) do the following:

1. Own up to the mistake (no excuses and no blame) 
2. FIX the mistake
3. Do a proper review of what led to the mistake
4. Formulate a plan of how we avoid making a similar error (once is a mistake, twice is a choice)
5. Gain the lesson and experience 
6. GET BACK IN THE GAME AND FOCUS FORWARD

This process requires honesty, accountability and confidence. 

REMEMBER : We are all human beings, we all make mistakes! In fact mistakes are proof that you are trying, doing and creating. Just look at how many failed attempts SpaceX had before they succeeded in their first rocket launch (AND LANDING) something everyone said could not be done!


Imagine what would have happened if the engineers sat down after the first attempt and said "well, that's it folks we failed"

Failure and mistakes don't feel good but it really is how we learn.
In a world where innovation will be valued we will need to learn to embrace painful learning through failure, embrace the discomfort and let go of the judgement, perfectionism and hateful inner dialogue, apply the experience and always face and focus forward!

So until next time
Hugs from DXB

As assistants we spend our lives caring for the well being of others. If you are a parent this load is multiplied. To be successful as an assistant or in any of the care giving/service orientated professions you need to be concerned with and devoted to the welfare of others, but recently I have encountered more and more PAs who are neglecting themselves physically but more importantly on an emotional level. This always leads to a level of discontent, a feeling of being uninspired and stuck. Our routine and our laser focus on others leads a growing disconnect with ourselves and our purpose...

When I ask questions like:

• When last did you do something just for yourself?
• When last did you take part in a hobby/activity you enjoy?
• When last did you get to chose what take-out is being ordered?
• When last did you have a good belly laugh?
• When last did you spend time thinking about your life, what YOU want and planning for the future?

Having fun is necessary to reduce stress, find creative juices and fire up your mojo, especially this time of year when we all feel a bit run down and ready for a break. Taking time out for a bit of fun or self care is necessary, not a waste of time as many of us see it.

As the old saying goes, if your jug is empty you cannot fill anyone else's glass!

So be a bit selfish and have a bit of fun, PLEASE

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So until next time,
Hugs from DXB