Guest Blog - Alan Chapman
Uncategorized
Oct 25, 2020
Hello everyone
For those on the recent member2member call I talked about the high possibility of being made redundant the following day and how I have approached this likely outcome in terms of my mindset.
So as expected that was the call I received and I am now looking at the next part of my journey and how I will achieve any unfulfilled potential over the next next few years and leave nothing on the pitch.
So what was my mindset and the main things that formed my winning habits over the last 6 weeks to make sure I was ready .....?
Firstly I planned a short family break in Edinburgh at the time I would find out the decision and so at 1.30 on Thursday myself, my amazing wife and son were in the zoo and I found a quiet space for 10 mins to take the call (next to the Rhino enclosure) - otherwise known as one of Andy’s visual representations of Resilience !!
This helped keep a sense of perspective on the situation and after digesting the news, had a fantastic afternoon in the Scottish sunshine and returned home on Saturday feeling really positive about the future.
I have reminded myself recently that taking “small steps” in any situation and then assessing progress at each stage really helps. If and when you fall, keep picking yourself up until the time comes when that particular event or situation is resolved and then move on to the next one.
Embracing those challenging experiences we go through and learning from them whilst finding the positives really supports in dealing with the next challenge and so on and I have remained calm throughout in the knowledge and confidence that better times will be around the corner.
What else ...
Having been made redundant in 2009 for the first time I reflected on what my emotions, actions and reactions were then and agreed with myself what I would do more of and less of this time round- in simple terms, what was the Event and the outcome I expected and this time how would I react to that outcome ?
It has been important to regularly remind myself of my 3 main personal values that I have carried with me for many years now :
1. Family Happiness - which is my motivation to succeed in anything I do, like it is for many others. When times get tough or if I have a challenging moment, remember what is my purpose and why am I doing what I am ?
So remaining positive and optimistic myself in turn helped my family feel the same.
2. Act with integrity and honesty whilst being humble and treat others the way I would expect to be treated. These actions for me result in TRUST which without this makes everything else far more difficult to achieve.
3. Have a constant desire to improve myself and others (both in business and my personal life) through self development, self reflection and looking in the mirror at all times - what can I improve upon... stop, start and continuing doing ?
Bringing the best out of others naturally brings out the best in me !
Was I too hard on myself last time and wondered was there anything else I could have done to prevent the outcome ? Yes was the answer, however on reflection that episode in my life was firmly out with my Circle of Influence and I let a lot of my thoughts fall inside the Circle of Concern- not this time though.
And finally a large number of my colleagues have been going through the same process in the last few weeks - both those I lead and my peers and this time it was essential for me to lead by example and have a positive outlook and not only did that support and encourage them but also helped me build on the affirmations I already had and kept me focused and motivated.
The feedback and gratitude I have received from many has boosted me, particularly how I have supported them through a difficult period and felt they had someone they could trust to talk things with over and gain some insight as to how to manage going forward.
I feel the experiences we have all went through this year have helped us in different ways and for me having put into practice everything I have mentioned already, fundamentally the following has been at the heart of everything:
Instead of travelling for a few hours in the morning travelling to various offices and coming back the same day or having overnight stays, I have used so much of this time not only to spend with my family but to use for more self development and exercise.
I have established a morning routine in line with Andy’s 4x M’s which has given me more focus than ever and an improved positive mindset and this completes the full cycle as the time I spend with my wife and children is quality.
When I’m in work (although working from home) I am in work and when the laptop / phone is switched off I am 100% present with my family which if being honest wasn’t always the cases a my kind would on occasions be in work from that day or thinking ahead to the next day, etc.
So overall 2020 has changed a lot of how I approach things for the better.
Great to put my thoughts in words this morning and if it helps anyone going forward then fantastic.
Onwards and upwards and have a great week.
Thanks
Alan
