I trust you enjoyed a nice Christmas day.

You know, it’s amazing where our inspiration can come from.

On Boxing Day morning, Ross and I went for a walk along Redhead Beach.

We love to let the water lap over our feet as we make our way to the section where the dogs can roam freely and frolic in the water, catching balls and generally hanging out with each other and having a good time.

On the way back to our car we cross over a little creek that runs toward the ocean.

The creek has enough water for kids to play safely in the water and build sandcastles and the like.

This morning we observed what looked like a rather fit looking grandfather pulling his granddaughter along on a foam board.

She was squealing with delight, “Again! Again!”

It was so nice to see the children playing and having fun. I expect granddad was enjoying himself too.

It got me thinking, when was the last time you did something that makes you squeal with joy; something that has you shout “Again! Again”?

As adults we can sometimes lose this sense of fun.

Life can become all too serious as we concentrate on all the tasks we need to get done, all the jobs we add to our “To Do” lists.

As we approach the end of 2024 and the start of another year full of hope, let’s remember to have fun in 2025.

Let’s put some of the delight back into our days and add some things that will make you laugh and squeal, “Again! Again!”

Wishing you a magical 2025. Thank you for being on this journey with us.

I wish you a year full of fun and laughter.

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This week I met with one of my business advisors.

We were discussing some potential new services I can offer.

I needed to get the wording right so that it flowed when I described what was included and how it works.

“Can we practise please?” I asked.

He sighed, thinking I was asking to book another time.

We had time left in our appointment, so he was relieved when I said, “Now, can we practise now please?”

We role played.

I made my offer.

He gave feedback.

I learned and was able to improve.

Practising is so important.

The reason is because when you practise you grow your muscle memory.

According to CSP Global:

“Muscle memory refers to the ability of our muscles to perform specific tasks more efficiently after repeated practise.

Contrary to what the term might suggest, muscle memory doesn’t reside in the muscles themselves but is rooted in the brain’s neural circuitry. When we practise a movement repeatedly, our brain encodes this information, creating neural pathways between the central nervous system and muscle cells that make the action easier to perform over time.

This process involves both neurological and physiological adaptations, allowing movements to become more automatic and require less conscious effort. Muscle memory is crucial for a wide range of activities, from everyday tasks like typing to complex athletic manoeuvres.”

If you practise, you can reduce the amount of anxiety you might have about your expected performance because your muscle memory will take over when your conscious mind goes to spaghetti.

In other words, your unconscious mind will show up and perform for you.

When I’m coaching clients I often encourage them to practise with me. They may feel uncomfortable at first, however practising having that difficult conversation or giving a presentation to me is far less risky than not practising and making a botch of it when it matters.

Remember last week’s thought – “We’re just practising” for the real show.

Think about some things on your To Do List that could benefit from practise.

Now that you know the importance of practising and thickening that myelin sheath on your neurons, are you more likely to practise?  I hope so.

As Les Brown says, “You don’t have to be great to get started but you do have to get started to be great”, well, part of getting started is to practise.

With the holidays coming up, you’ve got time.

What will you focus on?

And speaking of holidays, Ross and I wish you a fabulous festive season. Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate you.

 

P.S. Invite your friends to get the Weekly Thought delivered directly to their inbox.

Go to https://shirleydalton.com/Weekly-Thoughts.