You're not a hamster; step off the wheel!

Our personal environment and circumstances have a huge effect on our well-being. And, today, we are under pressure like never before.

Accelerating developments in technology mean that communication is becoming increasingly demanding  and can involve lots of different people from different cultures, beliefs and value systems, gathered together simultaneously, via internet chat, conference calls, social media etc.

And robots are eyeing our jobs.

Especially if you are female.

McKinsey research reports that some 160m women, worldwide, are at risk of losing their jobs within the next decade or so as it is mostly female workers who are in jobs that are repetitive and process-oriented.

Ladies: Time to take the wheel.

Enter self-awareness.

Self-awareness is not an exclusive activity for the well-heeled, seeking to be well-healed. It’s an entry-level activity to a fulfilled life in our modern world.

So, it’s non-negotiable.

Stress clouds self-awareness.

Sure, there is a good kind of stress - Eustress.

That's the sort that gets you up and running. 

However, when stress builds up beyond a certain level, it becomes ‘distress’ and can have a very negative effect on  our performance, relationships and general well-being. 

As if we didn’t have enough to contend with on the technology and communication  fronts, experts are telling us that we may be dealing with these - and perhaps additional pressures – for longer!

Yes, the latest research reveals that people are living longer, generally…

Apparently, life expectancy has been increasing steadily over the past two hundred years. According to Professors Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott of London Business School, in their fascinating book: 'The 100-Year Life',  it is essential to prepare for this longer lifespan so that we are not faced with a situation where we are older for longer with the implicit drawback of being frail and dependent.

Gratton and Scott conclude that the responsible approach to this situation is to take charge of our individual lives and make a flexible plan, as we will go through many more stages of life than the traditional three stages of youth, middle age and retirement/old age.

On the fun side, the authors also observe that this longer life span will offer lots of possibilities for multiple stages, loops and cross-generational relationships. Clearly, we will have to develop the right attitude and skills to navigate this amazing new world.

Despite the fact that people in general are living longer, the truth is that no-one knows for sure the date of their final day on Earth. That's why making the most of  yourself is essential.

If you really think about it, ‘Now’ is all you’ve got. The past is over. The future has not arrived and may never come for you.

If you are lucky enough to live in a relatively free environment, the quality of the life you live is your own responsibility.

‘The best day of your life is when you decide that you alone are responsible for your life. No ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. No-one to rely on or to blame’ David Gikandi: 'Images of One'.

So, seize the moment and get started on self-awareness to appreciate who you are – your quirky personality traits and your talents. These are what make you a unique individual in a world where, according to recent scientific research, not even identical twins have 100% identical DNA.

Everyone is unique.

Once you have come to fully appreciate yourself (no obsessing - just a healthy appreciation and sense of gratitude) you are more likely to take a renewed interest in those around you - your family, friends and co-workers - those people who admire and support you because you are you.

Begin your best life today: 

Set yourself up to succeed. Build your confidence and develop a winning attitude. Go to my practical - and fun - self-awareness course at: 

https://www.isle-of-us.com/self-awarenesstoolbox and position yourself for the life of your dreams. The life you desire and deserve. Your future self will thank you.

'Excellent course. I highly recommend that people take advantage of this.' Fiona Ashe, Film and Video Director, Broadcast Journalist, Ireland.

'Brilliant down to the smallest detail. It was a pure pleasure to follow your presentations. From A to Z everything was highly professional.' Dr Bruno Doenni, Switzerland.