I love the lighter evenings of this time of year. It seems to allow for more family time and this evening I went a walk with my son who took his bike and peddled along the route with great enthusiasm, excited as we were going along new footpaths that he hadn’t explored before. Then as time rolled by we had to turn around to go back home. The enthusiasm started to wane and his legs “got tired” he didn’t want to peddle any more.

So distraction tactics had to come into play and he was challenged to ride the gap between street lights before we could count to 5.

Watching him was quite enlightening as he set off with his “tired legs” new enthusiasm rising to the challenge of beating the count. However when he approached his finish line his legs would slow and he would almost coast across his finish line.

It struck me that when aiming for goals are we guilty of doing just the same? Planning and preparing with enthusiasm, making our plan of attack going forward with our legs peddling at the speed of light. Then on approach of the finish line… Reaching our goal the thing we have planned and prepared for, which we have desired. Are we guilty of sometimes coasting along to the finish line? “Just” taking our foot off the pedal safe in the knowledge in our ability to cross the finish line, using the momentum built up at the start of the journey.  

However this could prove disastrous what if there was a bump in the road that threw you off track and the finish line was missed… What if taking your foot off the peddle meant a deadline was missed?

In martial arts a Sensi will teach the student to aim beyond the target. If aiming to make contact with an opponents shoulder look beyond the shoulder and aim for a point beyond. This will guarantee coming into contact with the shoulder and the contact will be made with maximum impact.

Should we apply the same thought process when aiming for our goals? Aim beyond your goal and see how and where you finish. The goal will be reached with maximum impact and you can coast in the glory of your achievements.

 There is a saying aim for the moon, you will land amongst the stars.

Just a quick update to inform you that the soccer school is over and Tom won "Sportsman" of the soccer school trophy. The coach said for his enthusiasm, energy and sense of fun. Not to mention his goal celebrations which involved a piggyback with a team member a cartwheel and a lap of honour around the pitch. Phew no wonder he is so tired! So keep bouncing that Tigger it makes others smile too.

Yesterday saw the start of the Easter School holidays for my gorgeous six year old son. Unlike some mums at the school gates I personally love the holidays. I see them as a time to have adventures, either together as a family or as individuals. Yesterday saw Tom start a massive three day adventure. He started "Soccer School" a three day soccer coaching course run by professionals for the kids to learn some football skill's develop skills in team-work, respect and burn off some of the excess energy that only 6 year old boys have.

So Tom awoke on Monday morning having waited very patiently all the whole long weekend (A weekend is such a long time when you have soooooo much to look forward too). He literally bounced out of bed filled with excitement anticipation and energy for the day ahead.
Like a coiled spring - "Is it time to go yet?" "Can we go?" "Is it time yet?" Finally we set off and headed to where the training would take place. He bounded up the steps to the training area full of Energy, Enthusiasm, Excitement and an abundance of antipiation.
Anticipation about the new people he would meet, the adults who would offer support and guidance, The kids who would over such a short length of time become his new best friends. Anticipating the fun he was going to have the goals he would score, the goals he would nearly score, the penalties he would save. He was so excited he reminded me of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. The energy and abundance of fun that was evident to see and hear! Was he going to have a good time of course he was.
It occurred to me that as children we naturally expect that every new experience will be an adventure an adventure that is exciting, that is going to be fun and that will be enjoyed. Then as time goes on either in later childhood or as we "grow" into adults those feelings diminish and even though they may still be there they can get squashed and Eyore pops up instead. "What if they don't like me?" "What if they think I am boring or not interesting?" "What if it rains?" "What if? What if? What if?"
So what diminishes our inner Tigger. Is it the language directed towards us by our parents and carers, our teachers, our peers, the media.  
I believe What you perceive is what you receive. Tom perceived a fantastic day full of fun, football and new friends - That is exactly what he got. If he had gone up the steps not expecting to score any goals, not expecting to meet new people and not expecting to have fun - That is probably what he would have received.

This transpires into adulthood too. What is your inner voice saying when you are dealing with new situations? A new job, meeting a new colleague for the first time, Doing your weekly shop in a new store. What is your approach are you more Tigger or Eyore? Check out your internal language when next faced with a new situation and see how your perception of the situation reflects the outcome.

Day two of the soccer school - Did he bounce out of bed - You bet he did.

The clocks are put forward this evening how does that make you feel?
Does it put a spring in your step as we Spring forward or March into the lighter brighter months ahead.
Or do you bemoan the fact that you will get an hour less in bed this evening...
I love the coming season the air is fresher the wind tends to be blustery and blows away the cobwebs of the winter months. The beauty of nature is all around the yellow trumpets from the many daffodils that stand tall and proud at the roadside. some   picked by discerning youngsters to give to their mum for mothers day last week.
But what about the April "showers" and the high winds we get this time of year I hear you say. To quote Billy Connolley "There is no such thing as bad weather - Just the wrong clothes"

Perhaps that philosophy could apply to almost anything in your life?
"There is no such thing as bad luck /circumstances. - Just the wrong (negative) reaction."
So the next time something doesn't go as expected think about the clothes (attitude) being worn at the time, Do they need changing. Do you need to pull on that thick jumper, Pull up your boots and make preparations for the stormy road ahead, or is it time to release the burden of that heavy jacket and don your bikini or speedo's and lighten up a little?

I recently went to a seminar and was lucky enough to hear Richard Mccann speak a truly inspirational person who has been dealt more blows in life than many could ever imagine. He was the young son of the Yorkshire Rippers first victim, He spent much of his childhood and youth in and out of foster homes and the care system. Got in with the wrong crowd and spent some time in prison. However he turned his life around by changing his attitude in life to   "I can". Truly inspirational without an ounce of self pity or sorrow this man has proven that by accepting and being authentic he has become a very happy and proud family man and successful businessman.

So what attitude are you wearing?