December is the twelfth and final month of the year and comes from the word decem, meaning ten as it was originally the tenth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. Given that it is the last month of the year, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get you ready for next year. It’s a chance to set some goals. These can come in the form of New Year’s resolutions if you like. I hope you achieved those resolutions you set yourself for this year. …

October is the tenth month of the year and is from the word octo, meaning eight as it was originally the eighth month of the year in the old Roman calendar. World Mental Health Day takes place this month, its aim being to promote good mental wellbeing and to highlight important issues that need addressing. To support this, I will offer you ideas to keep your own mental health in check. In Australia Stress Less Day is this month and offers us all an opportunity to remember the importance of …

Earlier this year, there was some research published which found a link between passive work and an inactive social life. Men who did work that involved little stress and little control were more likely to be have less active leisure activities compared to those whose work was more active.

If you have a large goal that you want to achieve, don’t keep it to yourself. Choose a select number of people and let them know your plans. Now you have said your goal out loud, so you have to do it right? Offer them regular updates on your progress and use their support for motivation.

Struggling with a goal, lacking the necessary motivation to see you through to the end? Then try some imagery. Close your eyes and imagine yourself performing the task. Bring to life how good it feels to be working on your goal. Keep going until you really feel energised. Then go do it!

When you next make plans, commit yourself to the task with energy and determination. Whether it is planning something to do at the weekend, your next holiday or an evening out, really get involved and be enthusiastic. Don’t assume things will go wrong and if you can, involve people who will match or even surpass your energy.

An easy way to enhance your curiosity is to learn more about something that already interests you.  Think about your favourite hobby. What is there that you still know little about or have yet to try?  As you attempt to find out these answers, your curiosity hopefully will increase your enthusiasm for something you already enjoy and of course, your happiness.

If you are working on goals, whether large or small, try to obtain support from others. Choose people who you know will encourage and inspire you and help renew your energies when things start to dwindle. If you run into difficulties, consult them for ideas to help you figure out and implement potential solutions.

Sometimes your motivation needs a boost, whether it is in relation to your job, your relationship, goals, anything. Take time to think about why you started it in the first place, why you do what you do. Perhaps consider the deeper meaning behind what you do. Then use practical steps to cultivate that meaning.

Have you ever read those articles where a person talks about a typical day for them? You will find them in magazines, on blog posts or in news articles. They may be very famous or just people known in their particular field. Such articles give the reader an insight into their routine and schedule. They may also inspire the reader who is interested in that particular niche.
So how about writing a short article on the day in the life of you? Your typical day, starting from the time you get …