The series is an e-course on how to hit the ground running in your new role or project. Here's a sample...

Secret 2: Hidden Energy

Have you ever noticed how when you're really interested in something, time just seems to fly? You get absorbed in the report you're writing and suddenly realise it's 3pm and you've completely forgotten about lunch?

That state is called flow, and we effortlessly perform at our best when we're in flow. We have reserves of energy and plenty of ideas, we intuitively know what to do and when to do it. We are engaged enough to be working hard, yet not so stressed that we become unproductive.

It can be hard to get into flow, especially when you're feeling stressed or worried. Yet with some positive self-talk you can help yourself get into flow and enjoy the benefits of working at your best. The most effective way is to ask yourself some effective questions.

Imagine your brain is like a computer, you ask it a question and out pops the answer. Your brain doesn't censor whether it is a useful question or not - so if you ask it a question like 'Why do I always forget things I need to bring to meetings?' it will give you an answer, probably not a very kind one!

Whereas if you ask it a question like 'How can I make sure I remember things better?' it will spurt out a more useful answer such as 'I could prepare a forward file for each month, putting agendas/minutes/notes in for the relevant days when I have meetings'.

Much more productive, I'm sure you'll agree.

In fact, avoiding 'Why' questions are one of the key topics we cover in the Secrets of Coaching for Managers course that's coming out soon.(more)
Try it for a day yourself - instead of asking yourself and others a question beginning with 'Why', change it around so that it begins with 'What' or 'How'. Let me know what you notice.

Below are some positively framed questions, to you key in to the aspects of your role that you're excited about and give you some hidden energy to cope with some of the other aspects that you may not be feeling quite so relaxed about. Good luck!

1. In what way does this role contribute to your personal goals and values?
(visit my website for a free audio download of 'What's Important to You' to help you flesh this one out)

2. What interests you about your new role?

3. What excites you about your new role?
(Or What could excite you about your new role?)

4. What challenges do you foresee?

5. What resources do you need to help you overcome those challenges?

6. What strengths or skills do you already have that will help you?

I hope that after reading this second part of your course and answering the questions above you're feeling the power of hidden energy! Next in the course we'll be looking at Secrets 3 and 4: 'First Impressions' and 'Quick Wins' - how to get some runs up on the board and hit the ground running.

If you'd like to get all 7 Secrets please click the link below:
7 Secrets

Also, you can register here Leadership Report to get a copy of my special free report:
How Real Leaders Inspire People

I'd love to hear your feedback on it!

Wishing you every success,
Joanne