Break it down

For the past year I have been translating a page of one of Paolo Coelho’s books from Italian to English every morning. The first one was his book about love “Amore” and in the summer I started “The Manual of the Warrior of the light”. This is my kooky way to learn the language better, but also to get snippets of wisdom from Mr Coelho at the same time. I have tried dual language books, but generally the topics are dull or simply filled with language that is not useful to me. I have to read things in subjects that interest me, as the language is more likely to get used and to stick in my brain that way.

Many of these passages, poems and quotes spark reflection, motivation or activation in my daily life. I won’t share all of them but there are many that are relevant to coaching and/or the daily battle that can be running your own business. So I thought it would start sharing those that are relevant. Today’s snippet of wisdom was around accepting quiet time: 

“The warrior knows that occasionally, the battle is interrupted. 

To force the fight does not work: it’s necessary to have patience, to wait for the forces to start a new duel… Preparation is as important as action.”

This one resonated as I had stopped translating for a couple of weeks. I still listen to Italian podcasts and/or music every day but I didn’t feel the need to do the translations as well. I had been to and from Italy a couple of times in the last month and immersed myself in the language, including a week at intensive language classes in Bologna. Translating every day as well as all of that was too much, it was a little overwhelming. But for some reason I felt bad about not doing it, even though in practice I was stretching my brain and flexing different muscles by speaking and interacting with my friends every day.

We don’t have to be “on” all the time in the same way to learn. If you keep working the same muscles over and over again they will get tired and fed up. Take a break, mix it up and you will come back to the task refreshed and ready to go again. 

Take a step back when you need to

The same is true for business, if you feel like you are fighting against closed or stuck doors to get things done. Step back, reflect and have some quiet time to recollect yourself. Create some space to think about what you really need to do to get more positive momentum in your business. Use the quiet time to prepare for upcoming busy periods. Retrain, check your budgets and schedules for the next few months. Do you have admin that you could/should do? Could you up skill in something you have been meaning to do for a while? Is there a connection that you have been meaning to meet up with but have just not had the time? Do it now while you have the chance. You never know, that may create your next period of high energy momentum!

Be kind to yourself

I’m back translating again after a one month hiatus and am loving it. I’m also signed up for a course in something I have been meaning to refresh my skills in for a while and will be attending Your Year in PR on Thursday and Friday this week. Be kind to yourself, move with the rhythm of the week and see where it takes you. #YYIPR17 #Ladolcevita

I’d love to hear how you get on!