What motivates me?

In life we need motivation to get us through the days, as there are definitely mornings when one wakes up and really does not feel like getting out of bed especially Monday mornings. However you are able to get up, put on your slippers and start your monday morning with the thought that the week will be filled with challenges, successes, hardships and great learnings. Each individual is motivated by different sources this is what makes us unique. The first 10 sources of motivation for me are:

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1. Friends and Family -They inspire me to do great things, encourage me to overcome challenges and most importantly teach me new things regularly.

Can you remember getting a gold star?

2. Recognition -Getting that pat on the back or mention when I have achieved or overcome a challenge or passed an exam.

Graduation

3. Success - Personal success, working towards a goal and achieving it after many tears, late nights, hardships and sacrifices.

Day dreaming of a beach holiday

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4. Ability to dream - The realisation that one really can achieve what you put your mind too even if it means closing your eyes for 3 minutes a day, day dreaming whilst you take a break from the rut of your day. Think beach, cocktail, sun, sea and holiday

5. The need to make a difference-Some of us have a need to make a difference in society whether it be helping out at the local soup kitchen, reading to the aged or tutoring at the local high school. Giving back, motivates one to be a better person as cliched as that may sound, once you see and feel the difference you feel motivated to do more and get others involved.

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6. Music - Lyrics and beats motivate me in the morning to get out of bed or whilst having a bad day lyrics have the ability to change my mood in a positive way even a little eminem can make me smile.

7. Shopping - This regular activity allows me to de stress, having some ME time and embracing the creativity and beautifulness of clothes, shoes and everything girly.

Sweetness

8. Food - I absolutely love eating, trying new restaurants, new dishes, how food links to certain cultures,        pretty drinks and the company that comes along with it.

Paris & its beauty

9. Travelling - Seeing the world and experiencing cultures, different ways of living motivates me to want to see new countries, learn new languages and just live.

10. Relax - Taking time to sit back, read, refresh, not concentrate and just embrace the beauty of natural sounds motivates me to enjoy the simple things in life.

We can find motivation in so many aspects of life its really just up to you to discover what truely motivates you to be the best person that you can be and enjoy what life has to offer.

Young Inspirational Talent

Whilst your average 5 year old is playing on the jungle jim, getting dirty in the garden, playing with barbie or dressing up like a princess, the world is discovering an exceptional, beat filled little being. I was absolutely blown away when I read about the 5 year old drumming sensation Jonah Rocks. His Youtube video has taken the world by storm showing us how social media has become such an effective marketing tool. From the age of 3, Jonah was lining up his Play Doh cans and his mothers pots and pans to make his very own drum kit. His parents noted that their special gift in their lives definitely had one amazing talent and encouraged him to pursue his gift. His parents bought him his first drumming kit and since then has been banging out mind blowing beats with his talent being compared to the likes of  Mozart and Beethoven. The 5 year old is self taught, he has never had one drumming lesson which makes you appreciate his talent even more.

Watch the Youtube video as the 5 year old sensation wows you with his beats

http://tinyurl.com/33bggan

Unexpected consequences of being online

Addicted to the Internet

There are so many positives to being online especially if one is making use of social media. Whether you are interested in expressing your point of view in a blog, showcasing your creative talent by putting together a Youtube video, sharing special captured moments on flickr, keeping up to date with friends and family on facebook or tweeting a recent achievement or sharing a important link on twitter, the truth is if you're not part of the phenomenon what have you been doing?

There are however still individuals out there who do not believe in the power of social media and thus are not open to joining what some refer to as the social media fad. An amazing youtube video was put together called Social Media revolution which basically communicates a list of statistics showcasing the unexpected power of social media. If you have not seen it yet, follow the link below, it is a must see and can help if you are trying to get your business to make the most of social media.

Below are 10 unexpected consequences of being online

1. If you are online, you have access to an extensive library of information however this library may in fact be an over kill as at times there is actually just too much information. One then needs to sieve through what at times is actually useless information before finding the relevant information needed.
2. The unexpected addiction to being online, if I'm not online the craving to be online at times can be rather intense as the feeling of not knowing whats going or the ability to communicate takes over. However with that said I do believe that it is necessary to take sometime off from being online, the brain needs to take a moment plus a weekend away with no access to the internet does wonders.
3. SPAM- I am amazed at how many SPAM/junk emails  I get on a daily basis, its crazy.
4. Being online gives you the opportunity to view restaurants, their menus, reviews etc before actually visiting the restaurant. For me, as a true foodaholic and regualr eater outer (I enjoy eating out), if the restaurant does not have a website, online menu or the reviews are bad, I'm most likely not going to make the effort to visit your restaurant.
5. I have always been one to express my thoughts and opinions. With the evolution of social media especially blogging, this platform is used to express your opinions whether others agree or not. There are a number of instances where I would prefer to rant via my blog or online than actually rant face to face.
6. The unexpected lack of calmness when the net decides to slow down or my connection is affected which happens alot or when I just get disconnected with no forewarning. Advice to Mr & Mrs Internet, give me forewarning before you disconnect me thus giving me the heads up & I shall preoccupy myself whilst you take a nap.
7. Being online allows one to pay online, EFT what a wonderful tool. I never thought that I would actually make use of this tool however nowadays thats generally how I pay accounts, it saves time, effort and allows me to make payments in my pj's attracting no attention from onlookers in the bank queue.
8. Hacking into individuals emails or facebook accounts, I never realised how hackers are negatively impacting the lives of others until it happened to a friend. Seriously, do you not have anything better to do with your time than hack into people's accounts. Hacking is so last season, the net is full of activities, I suggest you try your hand at an activity which is a bit more challenging.
9. I've realised how many face to face conversations have been replaced by gmail chat, facebook chat etc. I never thought that individuals would prefer to have a convo online rather than face to face over a cup of tea. I guess with skype you can have that much needed catch up session, with a cup of tea and still see the person even though they may be sitting in Ecuador and you in Cape Town.
10. Being active online has encouraged me to inform or rather educate those in power at the office about the positives about being active online especially making use of social media. Thus encouraging the more traditional folk who only believe in communicating via face to face to see the upside of being online.

Link to Revolution of social media Youtube video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8

http://tinyurl.com/33ty77g

Do not tell me to calm down

The effects of expressing two very simple words, Calm Down

You are trying to get an answer, one simple answer to one very easy question. "What media coverage do you have planned for the rest of the week?" You simplify the question as you feel a slight wave of irritation starting to cause a mini tidal wave in your body. You try again "what is the media plan for the rest of the week and which media have already been targeted?" One begins to get annoyed as excuses are made that all the relevant media have already been targeted yet no one can specify exactly which media have been targeted. Your next question surfaces with a slight hint of sarcasm considering you had approved the PR plan previously thus the main focus was to get media coverage. However with all the unanswered questions and hesitation you begin to realise that the job is not being done, well at least not to your standards.

 The next step you call the higher power a.k.a your boss who happens to be located in the city known for its bumper to bumper traffic jams, fast paced style of living and for being the city of gold. She answers her phone and listens as the words come poruing out of your mouth fuelled with passion and a sense of irritation. The words calm down are expressed, yes two very uncomplicated words which cause one to see red as you feel your body temperature rising at one rapid pace. The two very simple words are repeated. You begin to question whether the person on the other side of the phone is ill, are we living on the same continent or rather do we work for the same company? One would never expect two simple words to cause the reaction that it did and you begin to question whether it was worth all the effort considering the reaction.

You learn that it's reality that individuals have different standards when it comes to work ethics, meeting deadlines, going the extra mile and what we consider to be right and wrong. However its your choice whether you just let unacceptable performance or behaviour slide or whether you actually make it known that the performance is unacceptable and changes need to be made. In the end it is up to you, its easy to just let shoddy work get caught up between all the chaos but why accept shoddy work if you have high standards. A life lesson that I have definitely learnt over time is never to change your standards to make others happy.

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The upside & downside of being a true soccer fanatic

Hardcore Bafana Bafana Fans

The world cup encouraged a number of individuals to become roaring, dedicated and passionate soccer fans. Before the world cup I would watch the odd soccer game, rugby seemed to dominate my liking however as soon as I felt the gees of the world cup, I was stung by the soccer frenzy disease which no innoculation could cure. For the four weeks of the world cup I put my body through a rollercoaster of late nights, early mornings, cold weather and the non stop action. The additional Vitamin C boost or viral choice definitely assisted in getting me through the month of absolute craziness.

The upside of being a true hardcore soccer fan includes:

• Meeting people from all over the world, allowing one to learn about a new culture
• It gives you the opportunity to catch up with friends over a game
• It encourages you to be part of the unity of South Africa and really feel the gees
• One is encouraged to visit pubs or areas which you would not normally go to just to be part of the craze.
• Our brain power is tested as we calculate scores, points, goals and penalties
• Having one's face painted, eating a boerie roll whilst sitting on the pavement with a beer in hand
• Watching a live match at the Cape Town stadium, what a memory even with the queues as you enter nothing can spoil the experience.
• Loosing one's voice, this could be due to all the shouting endured as we passionately support Bafana Bafana. Yes, this is a positive as it shows that you are a die hard fan.
• Love, as you rediscover why you love your country so much and the feeling of being a proud parent as you watch your country showcase its beauty.
• Memories, this entire experience will be a much talked about month for years to come.

The downside of being a hardcore soccer fan

There are not many cons to being a soccer fan apart from two points which should be mentioned.

• Injuries - Many soccer fanatics may have overdone the celebrations thus minor injuries may have occured such as a bruised knee or loss of voice. These minor injuries can be cured with some Vitamin C and rest.
• Infection - Due to the large number of soccer fans from around the world entering our beautiful country, a number of infectious diseases are carried from all over. Its important that you prepare your body before the world cup by taking additional vitamins, resting, eating well and exercising.

One should focus on all the pros of being a true soccer fan, we now have 4 years to plan the next soccer adventure. Its time to start learning Portuguese, Obter Brasil está preparado, get ready Brazil.

Foreign Invasion

Dutch Fans~ Orange may just be the in colour

Hola, Bonjour, Goedemorgen, como vai and well the list goes on of how many foreign accents I heard over the month long craziness of soccer madness. Cape Town was the city to be in if you wanted to experience pure foreigness as I refer to it. The streets were full of an array of colours as each foreigner adorned their country's colours whether it be neon orange, red, combo's of red, blue & white, there was never a dull moment.

Long street was the street to be in if you were not at the game or if you were looking for a place to celebrate after any of the matches. Matches were screened at pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs thus there was no getting away from the frenzy but honestly even the real pessimistics must have had a hard time trying to remain negative. The atmosphere was electric, face painting became the new artitistic chosen career path and the vuvuzela became the new musical instrument which touched the hearts or rather the ears of so many around the world.

A number of foreigners used Cape Town as their base for travelling and the backpackers and guest houses in town were the central hubs for the masses. If you wanted to hear an accent, rub shoulders with basically an entire continent in one night long street was the place to be and in particular the Dubliner. The Dubliner is "Cape Towns first authentic Irish Pub located on the vibrant Long Street, in the heart of the action"

This world cup hotspot or rather foreign hotspot was jam packed with the humming sound of accents however local flavour shone as proudly South African's welcomed our visitors from around the globe. Many friendships were made as the World Cup brought unity and encouraged South African's to express and showcase the beauty of our country.

The Dubliner in Long Street

Foreigners have left South Africa with a changed mindset, insight into one of the world's most beautiful countries and a lifetime of memories, what else could one wish for. In the words of the spanish

Sudáfrica es sorprendente, indeed South Africa is amazing!

The elephant in the room or at the office

Ganesha

Strength, reliability, power, leadership & wisdom are the words which come to mind when I picture an elephant and its abilities. In a number of cultures elephants represent grace, loyalty, power & prosperity. In the Hindu culture Ganesha is one of the best known idols and worshipped in the Hindu pantheon.

Ganesha has an elephant head on a human body which explains how a man is supposed to function. His wide ears conveys that one should listen and understand whatever he or she may hear. The big head represents the fact that one should acquire as much knowledge and wisdom as possible. The trunk is symbolic of discriminating abilities which one has to use to decide what and when to make use of your own forces and strengthens. If two tusks are are present it means that there is a boundary within, which allows a man to operate between the constraints whether good and bad. Therefore if one tusk is broken or removed this represents universal qualities. A big stomach represents that one should take in all life experiences that you have been through. Ganesha is considered to be the patron god of astrologers. His special power is that he gives obstacles to bad things and removes obstacles to good things.

We all have elephants in the room or rather at the office. There are leaders that we encounter on a daily basis with vision, passion and with a sense of power. These individuals are able to inspire not only individuals but teams aswell which impact on the business culture and achieving the company's objectives. There are those who are striving to become the elephants in the room, the one who is relied on for guidance, vision, passion, committment and loyalty. On the other hand there are those who would prefer to just be apart of the herd, the reality is, it is up to you to make that decision.

Elephants walking with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background

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