What Makes You Itch?

Have you got an itch? A passion you would love to pursue? I was lucky as all of my 20’s and my early 30’s were spent scratching my "itch" for pottery, art and travel. Life was amazing, I was making great money doing what I loved (well most of the time) and I got to experience new cultures, meet amazing people and expand my view of the world.  Then when life took a turn in 2007 I was grateful to land my first “real job” with ease at 34.

It was a fantastic job so I felt incredibly lucky just to be paid EVERY WEEK!!! It was quite different to the end of month scramble for cash I was used to.

However, by 2011 I came to realize that Monday to Friday 9 – 5 was probably never going to be my long term happy place. I started feeling stressed and frustrated, to be honest I felt trapped. My son had just started private school, I had a bigger mortgage, as a single mum no-one to help me pay bills... bla..bla..bla.. or maybe wha..wha..wha. In my head I thought I was “stuck”... I truly did feel trapped back then.

At the time my role was (and in part still is today) facilitating leadership training programs, often with leaders that feel stuck or dis empowered in their roles. My advice was always “If you don’t believe the situation will change, and you can't change your thinking about it then you need to change yourself and get out”. As the tables turned I had to look in the mirror take a shot of my own advice.

I made a decision to get clear on what I really wanted out of life, not just to get by, but to really live an amazing life.

The Dream:

• Work flexible hours – maybe only 3 days a week
• Get paid as much, if not more than I already did
• No work during school holidays
• Take leave and travel whenever the urge strikes
• Work with clients in a more flexible way
• Coach and train people to understand themselves and others more deeply so they can have better relationships
• Show people how to design a life they love and set personal goals
• Turn our monthly goals club into a busines and get paid to teach people how to get more out of life with less stress
• Create a wellbeing movement by increasing peoples happienss so they could then increase wellbeing in their families, workplaces and communities
• A holiday adventure in America and Disneyland with my son
• A month in Italy on my own
• Rediscover my love for art and get my hands dirty again

I had some big dreams, a massive itch and that meant I needed to make some big changes.

To make it happen I turned dreams into goals and created a plan. Reading back on my 2011 - 2012 journals and Life Plan it's a little bit freaky - so much has become my reality. It wasn't alwasy easy but it certinaly was possible and surprisingly easier than you might think!

Have you got goals that you could commit to right away?

From Dreams to Outcomes:

• April 2011 - Easter trip to Phuket
• November 2011 - offered an amazing new role at BRS
• September 2012 - Disneyland with my son Jazz (Amy and her mum even came with us #bestholidayever!)
• October 2013 - a month in Italy and just for me which began at an art retreat in Tuscany!
• April 2014 - becoming an associate at BRS, which means more flexibility doing the work I love with my regular clients
• April 2014 - The 7 Effect launches with a sold out event!
• May 2014 - Lost 12 kilos and feelo great in my own skin
• July 2014 - Almost finished my Diploma of Modern Psychology, new skills new insight, new focus with clients!

It really is possible - scratch your itch and you could change your world completely in the next 2 years!

Do you have  your own life plan in place? If you want to learn how to create a life plan then join us at The Ultimate Life Planning Workshop

Your Money and Your Mind

By Jodie Nevid

After giving up the safety of my full time salary in April I decided my May goals would best be focused on the “Money” element. Money is just one of the 7 elements we set goals around at The 7 Effect. (What are the 7 elements?)

Money is an interesting topic because for some people even the word money can bring up negative feelings, and a bitter taste. Yet for others, like my 12-year-old son, discussions about how to earn, grow and spend money can be completely exhilarating!

If you have a weird or dysfunctional relationship with money then taking time to understand what’s behind that is time well invested! What’s your relationship with money like? Do you believe you have to work hard for it, or do you like your money to work for you? Do you have an abundance or scarcity mindset… is there plenty or never enough?

These were some of the questions we explored at last months Goals Club. For most of us our relationship with money is greatly influenced by the things we observed as kids which impacts the beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes we adopt as adults at both a conscious and unconscious level. The great news is all of your thought patterns around money can be changed, you really can decide what to keep, ditch or tweak!

To get you thinking differently about money here’s my top 7 money habits that I’ve picked up along my journey.

1. PAY yourself first – put 10% of all money that comes in aside in a specific account dedicated to your investment / life style strategy.

2. Think YOU Inc. - Monitor and manage your money like you are a business. You don’t need to become a neurotic tight arse just be consciously aware of what comes and goes so you can make better decisions about your spending.

3. Make it FUN - Play money games like Cash Flow and Monopoly to program your brain to think smart about your spending choices and learn how you can make money work for you.

4. Be BALANCED - Know what your worth and track your assets against your liabilities on a simple balance sheet. 

5. COLLECT coins - Get one of those giant sealed money tins and cover it with pictures of things you are saving for. Get the whole family involved in filling it up with loose change…. It could contain the trip of a lifetime in a year or two!

6. Take back CONTROL - Credit cards are designed to encourage spending, and can easily get out of control! Take back the reins on your spending and make a commitment to get your Credit Card balance back down to zero. Use it wisely and enjoy wiping the slate clean each and every month.

7. Set GOALS – establish weekly, monthly quarterly and annual savings and debt reduction targets and go public with them! Keep a chart on the fridge or hold monthly meetings with the family to report of progress and share the journey. This is a great way to build healthy money habits into your kids as well.

When it comes to money I think the more fun you make the topic of conversation the more rewarding the process of earning, growing and spending money is. I love spending rainy Sunday afternoons with my son Jazz playing Cash Flow as we invest and deal our way out of the rat race and into the Fast Track!

The Short Cut to Change - Change Your Identity

By Jodie Nevid

I’ve been doing some research recently on stages of change so I can continually improve how I work with people to create change in their life that is a) for the better and b) sticky! I believe that anyone can make whatever changes they needed to improve their life. It's never too late to ditch bad habits, remove deep seeded fears, eliminate anxiety and dramatically increasing confidence. The only catch is to get that kind of change you have to want it, and you have to be prepared to allow it to happen without sabotaging your own success.

I’ve recently been exploring the Dilts’ Neurological Levels Pyramid. (See the image) It’s a pretty cool model to be aware of because when understood it’s a fantastic guide to help pinpoint where you should focus your energy to create any kind of change you want.

I’ll explain the pyramid by starting from the bottom because that’s the way many of us pursue change… it is the longest, most painful and the most commonly traveled path to change.

1. ENVIROMENT – This is the first place we often try for change if we are unhappy about life. Get a new job, new home, new car or even new crowd to hang out with – but we take ourselves with us so sometimes we remain just as unhappy in our new environment… so we step up the pyramid and try something else…

2. BEHAVIOUR - If our environmental change didn’t hit the spot we might adopt some new behaviors to bring on change. We might get up early, eat less, stop smoking, exercise more, or what ever else we could try that is different to what we currently are. It can work in the short term but it rarely sticks because it feels like massive effort!

3. SKILLS - Frustration with our failed attempts to create new habits can then lead us to want to get more committed, which is a good thing. So we commit to developing some new skills. We take a course, get some qualifications, learn, grow and develop. This can open up new opportunities and increase our confidence, however it is often only at a surface level. As we know new skills don’t always stick either!

4. BELIEFS - Even with our new skills limiting beliefs like; this is just how it is, I could never do that, or that could never happen, can continue to haunt us. This is about where I show up. The scenario: the training box is ticked but nothing has changed! Why? Because no one really believes deep down that change is possible. I used to work with clients to try and change their beliefs… OMG it was challenging… and sometimes it worked… but mostly people STILL return to their old ways. I’ve learned that yes beliefs matter but this is not the first place to go because it can be exhausting for everyone.

5. VALUES – By moving beyond beliefs to find congruency between a persons values and their desired outcome change is easier. I also like to focus on individual character strengths because this gives the person a base of confidence to build on… however this is still not the first point of call.

6. IDENTITY - This is the place I have learnt (Yes learnt the hard way!) to begin by simply asking; what do you believe to be true about yourself? Giving an honest answer can be challenging for some people and very revealing for all concerned. If deep lasting change is the goal then we must first look inward at our very core. Sometimes change can only come when we change our thoughts about who we “think” we are.

7. SPIRITUALITY - In some versions of Dilts’ model I’ve seen the peak listed as purpose, perhaps spirituality is a little bit “woo woo” for some? Personally I like the notion of spirituality but it is not for everyone and I get that. In essence at this level it is about being connected to something greater than self. When you can find that type of connection to purpose it can be a very powerful force for change.

Experience has taught me that change is achieved at a quicker rate with less overall effort and pain when we start at the top. Who you think you are and your connection to a sense of purpose can have a massive impact on your life. Next time you want to change something take the short cut - Sometimes the last place we go is the first place to try!

Go Away and Be Mindful in May

By Jodie Nevid

On Sunday I was up at 4.15am to get ready to board a 6.30 flight to the Sunshine Coast – I’m off to indulge in two weeks of solid study as part a of my Diploma of Modern Psychology.

The week prior was MASSIVE for me with back to back coaching, facilitation and consulting Monday to Saturday. It was one of those weeks that leave you feeling energized and exhausted all at once, the work and clients were varied we shared lots of laughs, and even the occasional light bulb popped up. I LOVE weeks like that!

Based on the intensity of my week I was sure that once I got on the plane my mind would fade to grey, my body would melt to become one with the seat and I would slip into a coma like sleep (secretly hoping not to snore) only to wake at the other end. However… thanks to our Mindful in May challenge that's not what happened at all. As soon as I found my seat I got comfortable and did my “Mindful” body scan practice, it only takes about 10 minutes. Then as if like magic as the plane took off I left the busyness of the previous month behind as a mass of new clean and clear space opened up in my head, it allowed me to instinctively and automatically think differently about a range of things that had been rattling around in my subconscious for the last few weeks.

Instead of annoying my neighbor with my snoring I stared scribbling down my rush of ideas… (Sheer genius of course!! Haha) It might sound weird but just getting away and that sense of leaving things behind induced a completely new way of thinking and a heap of learning before my training sabbatical had even begun. In just 40 minutes it felt like I had solved the "problems" of my world!

Just 10 minutes of being Mindful helped me get really clear on how we need position ourselves as a business... something we have stumbled over a little so far. I came up with some exciting ideas for a new and unconventional 4 day leadership program for those wanting to not just improve but really master the art of leader, and I came up with a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) as light dawned on me about how to design and deliver our Elementary program so that it would become Australia’s #1 Well-being program!!!

Already my journey has given me a great balance of practical actions and lofty ideas which make the investment of time and money worth my while... imagine what will happen once the training begins.

There’s a lot to be said for switching off, slowing down, being mindful and getting away. If you want to solve the problems of your world and think differently about a few things then try some escapism of your own kind and get back in touch with your brain - get away and be Mindful in May!

If you want to join our Mindful in May Challenge you can join The 7 Effect team and sign up here:

http://www.mycause.com.au/page/70570

Is it a job... a career... or a calling?

By Jodie Nevid

I’m half way through the book Flourish by Martin Seligman and if you have an interest in positive psychology, well-being and happiness then you should grab a copy. It’s filled with research and case studies on the benefits of positive psychology as well as plenty of practical step-by-step actions and activities you can complete to increase well-being. It’s like having a paperback therapist on the bedside table!

On page 75 Seligman talks about his calling to positive psychology and shares the differentiators used in sociology to distinguish between a job, a career and a calling.

• A job is for the money – if the money stopped so would you
• A career is about promotion and moving up the ranks – when you reach the top you leave or “become a time-serving husk.”
• A calling is like a mission – you’d do it anyway regardless of the cash or corporate climb. It’s like an intrinsic pull toward a greater purpose.

The difference between the three is interesting to consider, because what we believe we have impacts how we show up each day!

I have had roles as an employee and as a business owner when I have fluctuated between all three in the very same role. When I was a potter and I sat at my wheel making drums – I felt so connected to a purpose I would often look around my studio and think "wow I cant believe this is what I get paid to do" – my work felt like a calling. There were also days tough times when the drum business struggled for cash and I felt like all I had was a really demanding job with long hours and shocking pay! My belief about my role, the degree to which I was using my natural strengths and my alignment with the big picture, or vision and mission is really what made the difference.

If we believe what we're doing has a greater purpose and we access our natural strengths to achievie that purpose we can experience engagement like we truly are pursuing a calling. On the flip side the “just a job” mindset can leave us feeling like the only thing calling is 5.00pm Friday.

If I find myself in a “It’s just a job” mindset I know I need to change, I can’t stay motivated in that frame of mind. When you find a way to do what you love energy and happiness will find you.

Here’s 3 tips to get you out of the “its just a job” head space:

1. Establish a personal vision and mission and connect it to the organisations
2. Get clear on your values and strengths and apply where ever possible
3. Think of your job as training you get paid for. There is bound to be some growth opportunities and skills you can acquire – take the lead on your own personal growth.

The pursuit of a calling might not be for everyone, however changing the way we think has a dramatic impact on how we show up. If you can’t flip your thinking and want to get past the “it’s just a job” mindset then perhaps your calling is somewhere else!

Wake Up Snow White!

By Jodie Nevid

Once upon a time… (May 2009) I was in a slump, a failed business, a broken heart, and countless shattered dreams. All my energy was going into working hard and playing hard at the expense of my family, my health, my personal goals, and my home enviroment.

Then one day I heard about this thing called “Snow White Syndrome” (a concept from Martyn Newman's book Emotional Capitalist). He suggests that because we are raised on Fairy Tales and Super Heros we often adopt a type of learned helplessness as adults - we bite the poison apple (grown up life) and we wait... for things to change, to settle down, or as in my case for Prince Charming to come along!!!

As soon as I heard about it I knew I had a chronic case - I had literally put my life on hold - waiting Mr Wonderful. Don't get me wrong - on the surface life was good; I had a great job, fantastic income, amazing friends and the best family you could ask for. However beheath the surface things were not quite right and there was certinaly some areas of my life that I was avoiding altoghter.

So what if he doesnt come!?! Wholly cr*p!!

This was my wake up call - and seriously the cure was that easy - well almost.

It's a two step process:

Step 1 - get real admit you are waiting

Step 2 - stop waiting and decide to start doing!

I wanted an amazing life and I wanted it now, not when, or if I met a guy. I wanted to take my son to Disneyland, I wanted Easter in Thailand with my friends, I wanted a whole month in Italy by myself to explore art and culture and history. I wanted to buy investment properties again, to build my own business, quit smoking, get fit, learn yoga and meditation and so the list went on.

So in May 2009 when I finally woke up I contacted a group of friends and invited them to join a goals club with me. We would meet once a month and each set goals to get us closer to a life we loved completely. That's how The 7 Effect began… and I'm please to say that since then every one of my wants above are now haves (or dones) and every month I challenge myself and the goals club members with bigger, scarier and more audacious goals.  Together we continue to set goals and make life plans to live happily ever after!

Growing Up on the Shoulders of Giants!

By Jodie Nevid

I look back on my childhood with such gratittude. I was surrounded by love, adventure and a sense of abundance. My grandparents were business owners both sides so I grew up seeing first hand just how grand life can be when you follow your dreams and own your destiny.

Mums dad, my Papa (pictured) was a hero of mine. I say "was" because we lost him in 2010 to cancer. When he was here he taught me so much, he was a living example of what you can achieve in life if you're prepared to take risks, live on the edge of your comfort zone and walk in the opposite direction to the heard.

Papa gave me eyes that saw the world as one big business opportunity, a priceless gift for a young girl growing up and one I will be forever grateful for. Those eyes that gave me the courage to cut my teeth in business and launch into a retail space at an early age. Start the business and do the "course" later was my approach, as it turns out the business was the course - the best type of learning you can get. Every business or job continues to add a new module to the path of life long learning. 

Papa always said "don’t get a job working for someone else, create your own job". So when my first true love – clay (as in the mud stuff) and my obsession with tribal art collided I became a drum maker. I mean seriously… What else would a tone-deaf, musically illiterate, barely competent potter do?!

This unlikely niche eventually had us shipping hand made products across the globe and "living the life of Riely". This amazing chapter ended in 2009 when life turned upside down for a bit and I shut down my business. I had to go and get a ‘real job’ for the first time... age 30 something. Amazingly I managed to land a fabulous job "meant to be" kind of job... first interview.... hired that day! 

Sometimes I think wow I'm soooo lucky, maybe life is a just a series of flukes and coincidences. I was indeed lucky to be born into my family, I feel like I literally grew up on the shoulders of giants. My family gave me eyes that could see possibility and enough self belief  to pursue that possibility. I heard a saying the other day “seeing is not believing, if you don’t believe you wont see, you must first believe then your eyes will be open to see.”

What a great thought – I think it was Bob Proctor who said it. I'm pretty sure Papa had a few of Bob Proctor's books in his book shelf!