Allen O'Donoghue Motivation Interview Podcasts

Most of us will admit that at some point in our lives, we were a bit lost at sea! Every day, people sit at their desk or at their kitchen table and day dream about making a change in their lives. They want to add a bit of spark to things and feel that they have so much untapped potential. The problem is, they don’t know where or how to start the process of change.

We allow ourselves to be held back by many different factors. Some are real actual issues we need to take into consideration (such as leaving a secure job without another one to go to) right through to our own personal insecurities getting in the way (I’m not good enough or someone else is better than me). The greatest point we have to remember is, we are actually in control of what happens to us, much more than we like to think. Each and every one of us has the ability to make changes, that is a fact! Whether it’s radical change like moving to a new country or just changing our mindset to be more positive and pro-active in following our dream, we all can make that change.

Now I know you may be sitting there thinking “Yeah that’s easier said than done”, and this is true to an extent but if we actually sit back and analyse what is in our way, there are very few elements that we can’t overcome.  In our individual work with clients, we see it every single day! People who felt that there were too many obstacles in their way, after working with us for a short period of time, broke through the barriers that, ultimately were put there by themselves, and have achieved their desired goals. Sometimes all we need is someone to guide us through the initial process of recognising those barriers and exploring ways to make them disappear!

Does this sound familiar? So what do you do next? Here are some tips to get moving forward and get pro-active. It’s in your hands!

- Be very specific about what it is you want to achieve – Many people say to us, “I want to change job”. When we ask what it is they want to do, they look blankly back at us. What they are actually saying is, “I just want to get out of THIS job!”. When you want to make a change, decided what it is you actually want and keep looking forward.

- When you have decided where you want to get to, begin to examine the practical steps you need to take to get there - If you want to be a doctor and are currently an office worker, you need to see what qualifications you need, how much it might cost etc. It’s not impossible to achieve but you need to be realistic about the time scale and do you want it enough.

- Carry out a cost/benefit analysis – By this we mean, look at all the pros to making this change, write down everything. Then look at all the cons of this process. This will help you to make sure this is the course of action you want to take.

- Go for it! After going through the above steps, and you’ve decided its what you want to do…go for it! You’ll have days of insecurity and doubt but you need to stay focused, you can do it!

 - If you are ready to make change happen for yourself, we’re here to guide you through the process.  Email Allen today at [email protected] to get moving!!

It is never too early for you to get your kids into a healthy lifestyle. Children have a lot of energy and as a parent, it is your role to help ensure they use up that energy every day. Some tips for raising a healthy, happy child:

• The earlier you introduce fruit and vegetables into their daily routine the less likely you are to have a fussy eater.  Don’t pass on your own food prejudices onto your kids – encourage them to taste everything and try everything. And remember just because they don’t like the taste of things at two years of age doesn’t mean they won’t like it when they are three or four or five.

• Of course kids should have a sweet treat, but remember they should be just that, a treat. Sweets, chocolate and bars should not be a daily occurrence, especially for toddlers. Treats can just as easily be fresh fruit, raisins or fruit yoghurts (that are low in sugar). You can teach your toddler what a treat is, and that doesn’t always have to be a sugary treat.

• Good behaviour should be rewarded with positive reinforcement and not sweet treats. If you are doing a star chart with your child, the end reward should be an activity together – something fun that you will do together and that you will both enjoy.

• Know what your child is eating. If you are buying processed foods for your toddler know what the ingredients are. Many processed foods are high in sugar, salt or saturated fats – none of these are good for young children.

• Make a trip to the supermarket an adventure – think about the fruit and vegetable aisle from the perspective of a toddler. All those colours and shapes will be attractive to them. Talk to them about food and bring home something new to try every week. As long as a child is in a buggy or trolley you can also avoid the sweets aisle – remember they learn pester power at a very early age.

• Involve your kids in cooking. Help them to understand that time spent cooking helps to create yummy food that they will enjoy.

• If they don’t like the texture of fruit or vegetables then make your own sauces. Load them full of fresh fruit and vegetables and whizz them up to a smooth consistency that you can put on pasta or with chicken or potatoes.

• Get them used to exercise – a lively trip the playground, kicking a football in the garden, playing chasing. On a wet day run races up and down the corridor or play chasing around the couch. Teach them to swim, dance or other activities that involve jumping around and being active. Kids who are active have better concentration and sleep better at night because both their bodies and their brains are tired.

• If your child is an only child, set up play dates with other kids. This will encourage them to try new things, to play new games and to learn how to share and interact with others. This is a very important lesson for when they go to school. It is also very important for you as a parent to get out and spend time with other adults and break the cycle of being stuck at home.

• And finally, both kids and clothes are washable. Allow your kids to get dirty when they are playing. Put on their wellies and let them jump in puddles (wait until you hear them laughing).

Exercise:

• Exercise should be a daily part of family life.

• Get them involved in team sports. Team sports not only get them fit and healthy but also teach them structure, discipline, team work and fun while making new friends.

• If it’s raining, set up games indoors or take them to indoor play areas. Remember, children and clothes can be washed…kids love playing in the rain.

• Let them try as many as possible.

• Take an interest in the sport they play.

• Don’t give them or let them create excuses to not take part. People with severe disabilities and without limbs exercise every day.

• Make time for exercise yourself. Sometimes it seems like there are never enough hours in the day but we need to prioritise exercise. Plus you’ll never regret getting up and exercising!

• It is also important for your children to see you exercise (or to know that you make time to exercise). If they exercise as kids and they see you enjoying and making time for exercise as an adult, they will learn that it is part of a lifelong habit.  It helps to clear your head. It helps you to de-stress. It releases endorphins – the happy hormones. And it keeps you fit and healthy. A great result!

• They will also learn that time for mum and dad need time for themselves also!

Check out www.safefood.eu - For some really important information and tips to keep your kids healthy!