Get bored over the holidays

I was interviewed by AAP this week asking if we can survive without technology. I said no. I want the traffic lights to work on my way home, and computer to work so I can write.

But having said that, I do think this time of year it’s worth having a check in about how we are feeling about digital overload. (And overload in general.)

I feel like I’ve had two years in one. Now I’m at the end of the year, I’ve notice that I’m posting less and less, having fewer online chats, and not going on a few apps I was on all the time. I’m also not doing big Christmas events, just catching up with people individually.

I’m craving low key, which is lucky as I’m about to spend a few weeks at one of the quietest places in Australia (my parent’s place up the coast), and I’m starting to think about how I can recalibrate the best.

Digital chill pill

At the moment I check my email first thing and last thing in the day – as I do the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram twirl. Like most professionals, I spend up to 10 hours a day online.

I really think it’s worth asking the question…would I find it difficult to not take my phone with me down to the beach, to grab a coffee, to go for a walk, to go to bed?

Over the holidays, it might be good to challenge ourselves to a digital detox. See what life is like off the grid.

Do nothing. Be bored.

Can you remember the last time you were bored? An amazing thing happens when you are not constantly stimulated. Your mind quietens down.

I don’t do bored very well, but when I am, I come up with the best ideas and new concepts. (I was told by one of my staff not to come back from holidays with the idea to write a new book or launch another business…which happens each time I have a low-key holiday. I couldn’t promise it!)

Chillax

I’ve found this awesome app called Insight Timer. There are thousands of free meditations and my favourite is Yoga Nidra which is a progressive muscle relaxation. It’s so relaxing.

What I’m most excited about over the holidays is to sit under my tree at the very end of the beach and just gaze at the water and listen to the waves. The jury is out if I can resist taking my phone with me!

I hope you have a wonderful time over holidays – with or without digital. See you in the New Year.

Tweetable: Get bored over the holidays @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2oZnMlA

By Catriona Pollard, Creative, Thought Leadership

5 ways to handle rejection

We all have experienced rejection in our lives. It’s a part of life.

It could be missing out on winning a new client you really wanted, being passed up for a promotion or not getting a second date with that cute guy/girl you went out to dinner with last weekend.

I’m not sure there is a right or wrong way to deal with rejection, but I do know what we choose to do with it makes all the difference. Here are my tips on what to do if you’re faced with a rejection.

Move forward
Don’t allow the rejection to stop you moving forward and trying again. Although it can be hard, see it as a way to make you stronger and more focused. And don’t allow it to define you.

Don’t take it personally
Well this can be hard, but sit with how the rejection makes you feel and face it. It’s OK to feel sad or disappointed. Try not to respond with negative self-talk, but with true compassion for yourself and the situation.

Look for new opportunities
A rejection may mean it’s an opportunity to do something different. You are surrounded by new opportunities every day, but it’s possible you’re not seeing them. Take a moment to reflect and consider what else is possible for you right now.

Get support
I know I have certain friends that are on speed dial when I’m dealing with a rejection. When you are challenging the status quo or reaching for that goal, reach out for support when you’re pushing through a ‘no’ to help you get to the next level.

Take action
Learn from the situation and then with new growth and wisdom, take action. When it comes down to it, you have to take action to achieve success. Sometimes you have to face the fear and do it anyway.

I believe rejection means that you’re living outside your comfort zone. It means you are brave enough to take risks and have new experiences. And that is a good thing because you are experiencing life completely.

Tweetable: How to handle rejection in business and life @catrionapollard http://bit.ly/2lw1fXs

By Catriona Pollard, Thought Leadership

Overcoming self-limiting beliefs – TEDx

It’s so wonderful to reflect on experiences. Two years ago I did a TEDx talk on a topic close to my heart – overcoming self-limiting beliefs and finding our spotlight moments.

No matter if you are an introvert, extrovert or something in between, many of us struggle to move from the shadows into the spotlight.

Being open to ‘Yes’ enables us to redefine the spotlight, understand we all deserve to be there and share our voice with the world.

From my own personal experience and also from working with people making the transition from unknown to recognised expert, this is what I’ve learnt.

Connect with your why
It takes courage to be truly seen and heard. While we might want to have a desire to move into the spotlight, I believe it needs to have purpose.

It’s about letting our self-limiting beliefs collapse around us and ask the larger question of why? I believe it’s not about literary being in the spotlight, it’s about the synergy and connections you create when you are there.

Be of service
I believe we all have stories to tell that will help others in some way.

We have experience and expertise we have developed in our lives that should be shared because others will benefit from it. The world needs to hear what you have to say.

As soon as I realised that stepping into the spotlight wasn’t as me, it was about you, and what you take away from hearing my voice, it really helped me because I realised I was being of service.

Be yourself
Moving into the spotlight is not about being someone you’re not. Neither is it about changing your personality. It’s about allowing your true self to emerge from the shadows and being illuminated.

And it’s not necessarily about striving and seeking. It can be about standing still and feeling the ground beneath your feet and allowing people to come towards you.

It’s also about being brave enough to be vulnerable. When you are vulnerable you create connections with people because you are speaking your truth, and quite often it’s their truth as well.

Believe in your stories
We live in a world where we are encouraged to compare ourselves to others. As soon as we do this, we start living smaller lives. We start thinking our stories are not as important as theirs.

We need to have the confidence to know our stories are valid, not matter how big or small.

And finally, it’s about being open to yes
Who are you not to shine your light? Who are you not to have a voice? Who are you not to make the world a better place?

It’s not about becoming louder, it’s about becoming bolder. It’s about being open to yes.

Yes is magic. Yes is illuminating. Yes can open up opportunities you never even dreamed of.

So I’ll leave you with a question.

What are you going to say yes to today?

Tweetable: Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and finding our spotlight moments @CatrionaPollard @TEDx http://bit.ly/2d2sfeD

Personal Branding, Public Speaking, Thought Leadership

My favourite podcast interviews

I love doing podcasts. Not my own…but being interviewed on other people’s podcasts. I find them super easy to do. I don’t need to do too much prep, put on makeup, or even leave my office. That’s a win, win, win!

And do you know what is fantastic about podcasters? They need content, all the time. If their show is weekly, they have to find somebody to interview every single week. And you can be that person.

The trick is you need a hook. Just like pitching to the media you have to show them you are an expert, that you have an interesting story to tell and you have great content to share.

I’ve loved every interview, but here are some of my favourite podcast interviews so far:

Inspiring Greatness with Shelley Rodgers – I tell my entrepreneur story, share thoughts on business and how to aspire to live a great life.

Business Addicts with Loren Bartley and Fiona Redding – I loved that they researched me and watched my TEDx talk before the interview. It resulted in a deep discussion about moving from unknown to expert.

Introvert Entrepreneur with Beth Buelow – I love how niche this podcast is – it knows what it’s about! I talk about the challenges I face as an introvert, how I realised that I was the only one holding myself back and that I was completely capable of introducing others to my vision.

Unclassified Woman with Michelle McGrath – So this gets pretty personal, but it’s such an important topic I was willing to share honestly about my life without children and how you are responsible for finding joy and beauty in your own life.

There are so many more great podcast interviews which you can listen to here. Learn how to find and pitch to podcasters here

Tweetable: Why @catrionapollard loves being interviewed on podcasts http://bit.ly/2b5Qje8

By Catriona Pollard, Personal Branding, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Thought Leadership