Take a look at these 5 simple tips to help you gain a renewed, calmer perspective and take back control over this busy time of year…..

1) Organisation. Start just by jotting down a rough list on a writing pad so that you have an idea of what you have to get done, but also how ideally you would like your Christmas to be. This will give you an instant starting point, to grow from. On from there, now simply jot down in order of task priority 1-10. So if Xmas cards need attending to first, then they get a 1 score. 10 is much further down your priority list.

2) Communicate to delegate. Christmas fun shouldn’t be all down to just one person, as this creates an imbalance, and sometimes resentment. Make sure that you communicate your needs and wants accurately and clearly and see how you can work things out between yourself and others family members. Can one person bring the spuds pre peeled and sorted? Can you cook the turkey the night before? Can someone offer to make the Christmas cake and bring it? can one of the teenagers be key coffee and tea maker for the day? Can you order food and pressies on line? Get creative and go for sharing tasks with balance in mind.

3) Diary management. Take a look at the week before Christmas, and pencil in what slots and times are convenient to you. Stick to this even if someone else can’t make those times, and this will help you to avoid stressing out over trying to be everything to everyone.

4) Assertiveness. So you can’t please everyone all of the time right? this is true of many family, work and friend commitments especially at Christmas time. So next time you are asked for the impossible, remember that saying no isn’t such a crime. Start by using the phrase ‘I understand’ as everyone likes to be understood. Next you come in with ‘however’ which gives you the chance to state your reasons as to why you can’t make an appointment or complete a task right now.. finally you can say ‘and what I would like to happen is…. or what I suggest is…. So to give you an example…
Hi Joanna, can you sort this report out for me now please, as I need it done today. Hi rob, OK yes I understand that you need this doing now, however I am right in the middle of completing this last minute report that was sent to me earlier, and what I would like is for you to give me another half hour or so in order for me to get it done. thanks.

5) Take time to sit back and enjoy what you have worked so hard for. Book yourself in for a pre Christmas massage, or go to get your hair styled. Take half an hour to go meet a friend. Go to bed half hour earlier, take in a film in, or take a pre Christmas break. Whatever you do, make sure that this Christmas works for you!

Have a good one!

Joanna
www.1stsuccess.com

A good friend of mine thought that it was simply a book about me, my life and experiences and as fascinated as it sounds, well it isn’t quite the truth.

I took the opportunity therefore to explain to everyone that ‘Return from the void’ does use myself as an example based upon my own unique and challenging experiences in life, due to a traumatic period that began back in 2002 and didn’t come to an end until around 2005/6.

For those of you who are looking for a self help remedy, then this is what my book is aiming to do, by using myself as an example with my own experiences, maturity, wisdom and knowledge as a professional hypnotherapist and stress consultant combined.

Return from the void, has been written in a direct, informative and informal fashion in order to relate to all of you who are facing any of the many challenges that life sometimes brings, such as debt, self blame, indecision, feeling lost, alone, or having lost everything as I did myself.

My book contains affirmations, places to put your own notes as well as encouragment for you to answer some of the questions it asks of you.

If you are looking for a free taster, then just log onto www.returnfromthevoid.co.uk and get your free chapter today.

In the meantime I can be found quite easily at www.1stsuccess.com where you can look me up and indeed what I do for people who are in search of assistance.

Have a great day, and speak to you soon….

off to see clients now.

Joanna x

Day to day, most of us work hard to keep a roof over our heads, money in the bank, clothes on our backs, warmth during the cold winters, as well as transport, communication devices and the means to give what we can to our children and elderly parents if we can too! Then there are the extras, the luxuries that we ‘hope’ to have during the year, such as a nice 2 week holiday somewhere hot, a major new purchase for the home, extra savings and investments, weekend breaks, horse riding or some other new hobbie……in other words choices and experiences in life.

But, have you ever thought to yourself how it is that some people just seem to have an easier time of it than others? Why do some people just land that promotion at work? why do some people get lucky with contacts, and gaining extra money? why do some people receive lovely gifts, special offers, deals, and manage to get ahead, get what they want most of the time?

Well, I used to be one of those people who thought it was just a case of luck and good fortune, and to some extent it is fortunate, if you have the ‘right’ attitude towards money.

Take me for instance, I was bought up on a council estate in west london during the 1960′s from a working class background, and with no particular luxuries above the norm. We had a black and white t.v, no bathroom (as the bath was under the unit in the kitchen) and a modest high rise flat. Only a handful of people could afford a car, and income was budgeted for, it was limited, despite both my parents working full time.

Over the years, with the conditioning of my parents beliefs, and my grandparents beliefs (where life was even tougher) were handed down to me…well what do you think happened? that’s right, I took hold of quite a few of those beliefs myself.

To give a short example, lets take a typical working class man, he is tired from a hard days work, he watches the t.v… he see’s something on the news that upsets him that is to do with the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. He sees the unfairness, the injustice, and so set’s his mind to thinking that all rich people are dishonest, or are ‘filthy’ rich possibly? perhaps a conversation then strikes up, and maybe it even leads to a time when he new a spoilt kid from school whos parents were perceived as stinking rich, and so it goes on….

Then we have religious beliefs, where it is perceived to be good to be poor. The rich will never inherit the earth according to some religions, so what subconcious belief could that lead to I wonder? Could you feel guilty for having more than someone else? or maybe you don’t like people with too much money, and so have subconciously decided to limit yourself to a balance of what is acceptable. Possibly the phrase ‘money is the root of all evil’ has been permanently buried within your psyche, and you just can’t release it?

Deep down many of us may well hold a limiting belief around the subject of income and money. For this reason we are exactly where we are in life because of it to one extent or another.

As a matter of course, I tend to make a mental note of people I have known who have had a charmed up bringing, with parents that have offered endless amounts of luxury goods to their off spring, and in some cases, this is despite the fact as to whether the parents have the money or not….. and it is with great interest that I have also noted, that the very fortunate few tend to go on through their life ‘expecting’ money, as after all it is all that they know, it is normal to them to receive nice things, and the biggest one of all…..it is ‘acceptable’ for them to have it.

You see when you have had what you have needed, and wanted all your life, and you have been surrounded to those who hold similar beliefs, well why would you feel bad about it? if you had money, would that mean that you were an unworthy person? I doubt it. Of course, logically we also all know, that not all rich people are not nasty or bad either. After all, if you had money just think of the people you could help, the things you could achieve, the experiences to share, charities you could create etc….

Luckily there are more than enough tools within hypnotherapy, nlp, eft and timeline therapy to remove self limiting beliefs around money, and media, society and parental conditioning that sometimes upsets the balance, and stops us from receiving what we rightfully deserve….after all one person is just as worthy as the next when it comes to wanting choice.

To find out more information on challenging beliefs just contact joanna@1stsuccess.com or why not visit www.1stsuccess.com

In my line of work I often come across people who are confused, lost and in need of some
serious guidance and clarity, when it comes to various life concerns and decisions.

Of course as we all know, the very essence of life and growth is circled around change, and although change is crucial to our development, it can be a very scary thing during times
of adversity and challenge.

In fact, if you really think about it, change is needed, it is crucial and just like the
seasons that come and go, everything has it’s time and it’s place, as nothing ever stays the same forever.  If it did, what a boring lot we would be? And where is the challenge and knowledge to be gained from that?

Having experienced first-hand, the negative effects of stress that has been self-induced
through unnecessary worry and concern, I know all too well how mental anxiety
can build up over time, leading to confusion, loss of direction and focus.

Quite often we just stick within our comfort zone as this feels familiar and safe to us, and
having that sense of safe certainty adds some security to that fact.  Unfortunately, what we are familiar with isn’t always the correct route for natural adaption to circumstances, as old patterns and belief systems do not always lend a fair and honest view to ever changing
times.

To give you a fun example of this, I once had a lady who came to me saying that she had
always cut the meat off from her joint of beef every Sunday in preparation before cooking it.  When I asked her why she did this, her reply was….’well that is just what you do’.  However, on probing her further, she realised that her mother had received this information from her mother before her, who upon questioning further had realised it was because the tin that was used at the time (and being that they were quite poor back then) wasn’t nearly big enough to hold the beef, PLUS they used the leftovers during hard times, for the next evenings meal.

In fact, this tradition or habit had been passed down two generations without question.  It had been safely accepted as the ‘norm’ as that is just what you do!

Interestingly enough, she saw the funny side of her behaviour, and realised that as the tin she had was more than adequate to hold the joint of beef she had, that she wouldn’t be repeating that cycle again!

So how can we make a decision that takes us outside of our comfort zone?  Well, here are a few simple tips to get you on the right track….

• If you’re being pushed out of your comfort zone right now, by having to face choices that you would rather not wish to make, just take a moment to sit quietly and think of how you would normally react.  Then ask yourself…. Is
  this reaction something truly feels right to me?  And…  When I react this way, do I get the results I want for me, or am I performing for other people’s views?
• Next I want you to envision how the sheer vastness of the universe works.  Simply view the bigger picture, and see how very small you and your concerns are in relation to this.  Then take a pen and pad and note down what you value the most in life by what you think and feel.   Be completely honest with yourself here, be brave.
• Now, take a truthful look at what you have written…. Does this feel true to you?
  If it does, you will have a moment of inner knowing, if not then you may feel uncertain or blank.  Keep going with this little exercise until you reveal the truth.  Remember, nothing is truly selfish when it comes to taking responsibility for yourself.  Quite often it is the expectation of others that gets in our way.

Good luck!

For more
information on self-development, hypnosis and mind mechanics just contact Joanna@1stsuccess.com or why not take a
free chapter from my book at www.returnfromthevoid.co.uk

©joannadavies2011

Contact:-

Contact Person Joanna Knight-Life Empowerment & Mind Mechanic Expert

Company Name 1^st Success

Telephone Number 01628 780470

Mobile Number 07898 230000

Email Address Joanna@1stsuccess.com
or joannaknight66@yahoo.co.uk

Web site address www.1stsuccess.com
& www.returnfromthevoid.co.uk

Local mum turns author & radio
presenter after being homeless.

So what
happens after you have lost everything?

Local Maidenhead mum Joanna Knight knows exactly how that feels, and has
happily learnt the secret to true success, having recently turned her hand to
writing and launching her first book ‘Return from the void’ along with co-hosting
for her local radio station Marlow F.M. and busily launching her latest therapy
clinic in Harley Street London, after initially losing everything she had.

Return from the void covers the essence of Joanna’s personal and fascinating
journey during times of extreme personal challenge and adversity, while sharing
her own unique philosophy from a professional as well as personal point of
view.  All in all, this book is cleverly
written in a direct and matter of fact fashion, without the un-necessary
padding that some self-aid books apply, and has been tailored for the busy
working population, with a variety of easy exercises to participate in, and
notes to be made at your own leisure.

In short Joanna comes from a fresh and powerful perspective, in sharing her
trails and lessons as well as her professional guidance of clinical
hypnotherapy, nlp. and stress consultancy.

Joanna’s next book signing will be at Waterstones, Windsor branch, Peascold
Street, Windsor Berks, on July 10^th from 11-5pm, with free entry
into her competition for £450.00 worth of intensive life change therapies to
the lucky winner!  For more information
of future signings or to claim your sample chapter contact www.returnfromthevoid.co.uk

For more information on stress consultancy, hypnosis, nlp, speakers events
and empowerment workshops simply visit www.1stsuccess.com  or contact Joanna@1stsuccess.com    phone 01628 780470

ISBN Product Number 9781906954291.
Return from the void, at all good bookshops.

For further publication information please contact Murielle Maupoint at live
it publishing www.liveitpublishing.com

“Joanna has taught me that through
adversity you can rise from a ‘Bottomless Pit’ and come back
‘Triumphantly’.  Not only has she
accomplished this, she has courageously written this for others to show them
the way through!   Liz Everett,
Healer & Author of An Inner Light That Shines So Bright

# # #

Having  experienced starting up a business on next to nothing first hand, while trying to raise my daughter without any maintainance payments, has at times been a real challenge, believe me.  However, with determination, a dream to focus on, and the will to succeed, you can achieve a whole lot more than you bargained for!

So, what would be my 5 top tips for a mum who wants to take charge of her life, build a business from scratch and turn the table of success to her favour?  Well there are so many areas that I could cover from personal experience but for today, here are my 5 top tips as a starting point.

First and foremost… One of the best gifts you could ever give to yourself is…

1) Information, Information, Information!  When I first started out in business,  I didn’t even own a P.C. let alone much  else.  Times where hard, and money was tight, however, this didn’t deter me from empowering myself with knowledge, and neither should it deter you, if your willing to succeed.

Living in the 21st century is an amazing time, as we have more access to free information than we ever have had before.  Today you can make the most of free internet usage, (just as I did) if you sign up with your local library for instance, and use the 30/ 45 minutes of internet time to your own advantage.  This time could be used for researching marketing tactics, finding out about study courses, creating posters or print outs to get you started.  In fact if you make a short list of what you want to research or achieve the night before, you can do a fair amount in just a short time. 

By making good use of free services such as the library, you can then go onto finding out about more organisations that could also help you, such as the citizens advice bureau, business link, enterprize, free networking groups such as ladies who latte, or any other organisation, as well as charities such as the Princes Trust. As well as what I have mentioned, also find out what you are entitled to… is here anything you are missing?  There is so much out there, what are you waiting for?

2) Time management! This may sound like a simple thing, but if you already have a part-time job to hold down, elderly parents to visit, plus your home, pets and children to care (as I did) then  time must be made and allowed for your new baby…the birth of your new business!

So, why not pop out, treat yourself to a pretty notebook and make a simple pie chart that is designed around the life you want.  At this point, yes you will have to make allowances for where your time is already being spent,  However, you can begin by making a few small adjustments in the right direction, by focusing on just an hour or so in the evening perhaps ( instead of watching the telly) to plan out your business dream, your ideas, your plans, and what you need to research next.  After all, we work in order to achieve time for ourselves in the future, so why not work at gaining time to achieve those dreams now?

3) Learn to ask for what you need! As women we like to be liked, we are nurturing by instinct, and in that respect as mum we do not always put our own needs first.  When it comes to looking after our children that is fair enough…however, when starting a new business and on entering the business world, we need to recognise that asking for what we need or want is not such a bad thing.

When you first ask for money in return for your service or product, do you think you would get anywhere if you didn’t make it clear as to exactly what you were expecting by return?  If you need something done at the printers for instance by such and such a time, do you think it will get done if you are not anything but communicative, direct and precise in your directing your request?

In other words, if you need a cheap p.c. for instance…or even one going for free (again as I did) then ask around, ask friends, neighbours, family.  If you are unsure as to what p.c. you should have for your business, then ask.  If you need help with washing your car of a weekend,  so that is presentable for networking and you don’t have time, then ask for some help.  Maybe you need babysitters in return for a favour so that you can network?  or is there someone who can donate an old office desk, a second unused mobile phone for business, a desk fan, stationary anything to get to started!  If you are on a budget ask away, and don’t feel guilty about wanting to achieve your dream!

4) Get creative!  It’s true that not all of us are born with creative ability, or indeed technical ability, but if you don’t have the funds to hire a personal marketer, a PR agency, a logo and web designer, an accountant and business coach, then I am afraid you will just have to learn to do it yourself.

Whether you are looking at designing your first leaflets, business cards, or website…first begin by going back to step 1, and gathering as much information as you can, either by talking to someone at a networking group, looking on the internet, or examining other people’s business tools such as their cards, leaflets and brochures to get ideas for yourself.

For me, I found that Vistaprint was a good starting point.  Not only did they offer a short term solution to my business challenge, but their cards got me off the ground.  With time you can of course begin to look elsewhere for your cards if you choose to, but when funding is tight, then Vistaprint are a good option in my opinion, as well as asking around your local printers  for a start-up business package maybe. Again there maybe ways of finding a deal that suits you.  And remember, never over order your first batch or cards or leaflets, as you are bound to either want to change or improve them in some way, or you may decide on changing your contact details in the early days while you are still learning.

As well as this why not try looking at making your own leaflets.  This can be done by just playing around (yes again as I did) on publisher for instance.  Once you get the gist of it, you can soon organise your lovely new leaflet relatively cheaply, and just make several copies as and when you need them.  However, do invest in some decent quality paper if you choose to go down this route, or ask someone if they have any nice paper that they don’t use anymore or need.  You will be quite surprised at what you find.

As for websites, well there are so many free website builds out there at the moment, that it can be hard to choose.  Again, please research before you jump in, as some sites will entice you into the whole freebie offer, for you to then only discover that they are plastering their ads all over your site!  For me, I chose to build my site using publisher, but found that it wasn’t very search engine friendly….however it was enough to get me started.  Again, just ask around…. and if in doubt, why not start-up a google blog, or send a simple newsletter direct from your mailbox to begin with (making sure that you have an opt out of newsletter at the bottom)…or how about wordpress.com? again, there are loads of options out there, and many are for free!

5) Sign yourself up and get noticed! Your no good to anyone if nobody knows who you are or what you offer, so take a look at organisations or forums that do similar things to you, and share your information, as well as gain information at the same time.  Place yourself on facebook, twitter, myspace and get noticed.  Put yourself forwards and sign up for giving free talks to local schools, surgerys etc…. if no one knows where your business is, get yourself on google maps and point them to you.  Sign yourself on free registers, and link yourself via your website across to a reputable organisations in return for their return link.  Get yourself in the B.T. phonebook and Yellowpages for Free, even if it is just your phone number at this stage.  Invest in books on amazon for anything you need to know for free marketing self-help tips such as Guerillas guild to free marketing. 

All in all, your business baby will in the early days will constantly hunger for food, knowledge and recognition along with demands made on your time and energy.  For me this was something I was used to, and could handle..as a mother we all realise that the investment we make in the early stages will page off in the long run.

So what are you waiting for girls?  go build your dream today!

For more information on self empowerment, confidence and motivation…. just contact joanna@1stsuccess.com

07898 230000

via BBC iPlayer – Anne Diamond: 20/05/2011.

Listen to my interview with Anne Diamond on BBC Radio Berkshire, about my latest book-’Return from the Void’. due out June 18th this year!