ARTICLES & BLOG
The Final
It’s a time for finals.
My son got the results for his second year university degree course and was relieved he got through after one exam he felt did not go well. I’ve seen him put in the effort over a long period of time to do his best.
My niece is awaiting her ‘A’ Level exam finals results before embarking on her university degree journey. She is also preparing for a classical Indian Dance graduation performance. A journey she started when 5 years old which will result in her performing a dozen or dances in front of a live audience of a few hundred. This requires talent and effort to build skill.
This weekend is the Wimbledon Tennis Women’s and Men’s Finals as well as the Euro 24 Finals.
To perform well in all these finals takes preparation, commitment, training, mental resilience and consistency.
It’s a time for finals.
My son got the results for his second year university degree course and was relieved he got through after one exam he felt did not go well. I’ve seen him put in the effort over a long period of time to do his best.
My niece is awaiting her ‘A’ Level exam finals results before embarking on her university degree journey. She is also preparing for a classical Indian Dance graduation performance. A journey she started when 5 years old which will result in her performing a dozen or dances in front of a live audience of a few hundred. This requires talent and effort to build skill.
This weekend is the Wimbledon Tennis Women’s and Men’s Finals as well as the Euro 24 Finals.
To perform well in all these finals takes preparation, commitment, training, mental resilience and consistency.
I am reminded of some learning from my Heroic Coaching where Angela Duckworth, the author of Grit says for that Effort counts twice.
Talent X Effort = Skill
Skill X Effort = Achievement
She goes on to say the 4 variables for Grit are: Passion, Practice, Purpose and Hope.
The sports greats go above and beyond to be the best. It’s not overnight success but lots of hours of hard work, sweat, tears, disappointments and learning. I read about Michael Jordan practicing and practicing his shot for basket ball. Kobe Bryant in the basket ball court at 4:30 in the morning to practice his fundamentals.
Novak Djokovic has made it into the Men’s Wimbledon Finals again. He has been ranked No 1 for a record 428 weeks, won a record 24 grand slams, so far, and won the most money. From my Heroic training and App this video was shared . It is awesome and inspiring. It shares his mental training, handling emotions, reset from failure, using conscious breathing and abundance mindset amongst other insights.
Watch the bit where the interviewer says Novak’s gift is mental strength. Novak immediately interrupts him and corrects saying it is not a gift but comes from effort and training.
Jude Bellingham’s journey is also quite amazing. He is only 21 and been scouted since 8 years old. This article is worth a read, check out the bit about signing for Dortmund club after he was 17 and had signed contract with Birmingham football club so they were able to get £30 million transfer fee.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/wnsbc2uwiq/boy-prince-bellingham-ready-for-biggest-stage
Whoa, Halfway there, Living on a Prayer - 6 Month Review
Wow! We are halfway through the year already! It only seemed like yesterday that we were at the start of the year, reviewing the year gone, making plans, resolutions and setting goals.
Take a moment to review your plans, goals and aspirations you had set at the beginning of the year.
Celebrate the outcomes achieved, learn from the ones not achieved yet, and keep a focus on what you want to get done by the end of this year and take action to progress towards it.
I’ve had some things go to plan, some not go to plan, life curveballs chucked at me and unexpected opportunities come through.
On the last day of June before 9am I’ve spent about 3.5 hours on learning and growth. This is one of my strengths so I am investing on average 2 hours a day on learning and growth. Consistently applying and developing micro habits for all core facets of life to deepen and expand my knowledge, skills, impact and live a rich, fulfilling life.
You may not have 2 hours or be interested in investing that time on learning but just want to know what to do to get the results you want. That’s ok. That’s where I can help.
You can appoint me as your coach to help you go from where you are to where you want to be providing guidance, support, accountability, resources and encouragement.
In the same way that you may not want to plant and grow all your own food, stitch and sew all your own clothes, travel everywhere on foot. You invest in tools, services and mentors/guides to help you get there faster. Getting a better return, leverage and use of your time, energy, focus and money.
Inside Out 2
Recently watched the Disney Pixar film Inside Out so we could watch the sequel Inside Out 2.
Both are excellent films and well worth watching. They deal with the various emotions : Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust in the first film. The sequel introduces changes at puberty and the emotions of : anxiety, embarrassment, envy and ennui. Really great how beliefs and memories are depicted.
There is a event that may interest you about the science behind Inside Out 2
https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/event/the_science_behind_inside_out
Milestones
At the start of the month my older brother Anuj celebrated his 60th Birthday.
Anuj has been and continues to be a wonderful role model teaching me leadership, kindness and service.
He is an avid learner, brings compassion and empathy into his work.
He has been a core member of Happy Life Habits Community providing me with lots of support, encouragement and conversation.
Joining in all the book clubs, master mind groups, training courses and activities.
I just rewatched episode 2 of the first series of our Inspiration Point Podcast in which Anuj took part in during 2020.
It is a awesome episode with lots of great, inspiring content and take away actions.
Some of the topics we cover are: mindfulness, breathing, cloud busting, Bruce Lee / Kung Fu, Tai Chi , Qui Gong, Football and Sports, Emigration, Chess, bullying, letting go and the Oshwal Enabling Network.
The Final Quarter
Final chance to benefit from early bird offer for Self Renewal Luxury Retreat @ The Vedanta
SECURE THE EARLY BIRD PRICE BEFORE IT RISES TO £595 ON SHARED BASIS OR ADDITIONAL £50 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY
There are a 2 spots left for the extended early bird offer on the LUXURY SELF-RENEWAL RETREAT @ The Vedanta, Lincolnshire A beautiful grade II listed retreat centre 27th Sept- 29th Sept 2024
Join us on a LUXURY SELF-RENEWAL RETREAT @ The Vedanta, Lincolnshire where we focus on Self-renewal and Energy
Management making your life beautiful by prioritising how you use your energy, time and attention to engage in activities that help you flourish, thrive, have zest and engagement to feel fully alive.
Invest in your self-renewal at our retreat designed to re-energise, refresh and rejuvenate your wellbeing whilst connecting with like-minded people for an unforgettably meaningful experience in a beautiful countryside setting.
The retreat offers sessions to practice breathwork, meditation/mindfulness, movement, gratitude and journaling.
Group life coaching workshops for Self Renewal and Energy Management
Share open hearted discussions & conversations.
The Vedanta is a beautiful grade II listed luxury retreat centre with 75 acres of woodlands, meadows and lakes to feel grounded in nature with scented breezes, swaying trees and songbirds.
You will be able to unwind by taking walks in the beautiful grounds or relaxing in the swimming pool and spa area with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, plus 24-hour gym.
In the evenings connect and play in the games room equipped with table football, table tennis, air hockey and a pool table.
Enjoy a naturally healthy sleep on luxurious eco-friendly bedding in a shared bedroom fully furnished to a high standard with a private en-suite bathroom.
Be nourished with wholesome, heart warming, vegetarian/vegan meals on full board basis crafted by experienced in-house chefs cooked with freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
There are 2 spots left for the extended early bird offer:
(1) The £550pp Early bird price till 31/07/2024 then £595
(2) All deposits fully refundable till 31/07/2024
(3) For a limited period all rooms are being offered with no single room supplement. (normally £50 extra) (2 spots left)
(4) The price includes a free gift and a one hour free coaching session with Saijal and Shaileen (2 spots left)
(5) Bring a friend or more and each of you will receive a discount of £50.
Which means for limited time for £500 (if you are bringing a friend and claiming the extra £50 discount) you can get :
single occupancy room, a free gift and 1 hour coaching with life coaches Saijal and Shaileen. Plus refundable deposit (all these extra benefits valued at over £150).
If you are considering this, need more info, need a payment plan etc contact Shaileen on 07900137566
The Retreat will be a minimum of 10 people and max 25.
LUXURY SELF-RENEWAL RETREAT @ The Vedanta, Lincolnshire A beautiful grade II listed retreat centre 27th Sept- 29th Sept 2024 To book contact: Shaileen on 07900137566 or Saijal on 07825837437
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
A NEW HOPE? OR NO HOPE?
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Everything is F*cked : A book about Hope
Sometimes it feels like the title of this book. This is a book I recently got hold of, still to be read but looks interesting and the author’s previous book I have seen mentioned.
““Why should I fear death? If I am, then death is not. If Death is, then I am not. Why should I fear that which can only exist when I do not?””
Wonderful Positive News about HelpVeerNow
Veer is a 4 year old boy, son of our friends and from the communities we are part of. He has low blood counts and desperately needs a stem cell donor. The family have set up HelpVeerNow to raise awareness and help campaign to get more people on the the donor lists so they can find a match for Veer and also help others in the same situation to find a match. The numbers of people registered to be a donor is very low especially in BAME. To find a match is like finding a needle in a haystack. It needn’t be. If everyone, including you and people you know registered then there would be plenty of needles to be easily found.
The wonderful news is that three 90% matches have been found. A few months ago there weren’t and the family had been told that Veer had months instead of years to find a transplant donor as his counts had dropped.
You can listen to the family’s journey on the BBC World Service recording. It is very powerful, positive, uplifting and funny with the mention of a stem cell donut! and Veer going out to look for his superhero donor. What comes through the the emotional and mental struggles, them leaning into their Jain faith and keeping focused on the positive. Even with Veer having a match, the campaigning continues as many more people needed on the registers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1fq8
I am privileged to say the family are part of the Happy Life Habits Community, attended workshops and training courses. In May 2020 when a Veer’s Virtual Extravaganza was held, Happy Life Habits was honoured to serve in opening the Extravaganza with a Happiness and Gratitude workshop.
Resource: Coping in a Crisis
Hansa Pankhania a new acquaintance is an author, coach and consultant who will be in a future series of the Inspiration Point Podcast. She has written a variety of books on Stress, Crisis as well as stories. Her most recent is title Coping in a Crisis and covers coping with loss, financial loss, grief, relationship and including coping strategies. The book is free to download from www.aumconsultancy.co.uk.
Hansa has been inspired by Deepak Chopra’s WellBeing Centre - more in future Inspiration Point Podcast .
JVB London: The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra
Recently I was able to attend a zoom meeting with the world reknowned Deepak Chopra. It was organised by JVB London and titled The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra. The recording is here and well worth listening to. It resonated on some many levels for me and I loved watching it.
Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
Gratitude has been shown to increase the chances of psychologically surviving hard times. In the HLH Gratitude Workshops I share that gratitude helps :
Us feel less deflated
Gives Hope
Helps Heal
It certainly has done this for me through life’s various challenges and has helped over 50 people who have taken the 30 day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. It is a pro-social behaviour making use feel more connected.
I’ll share a recent testimonial:
“I’ve just completed the Happiness and Gratitude training programme that Shaileen hosted.
We all ‘know’ what to do and how to ‘be’ happy, positive and grateful but it’s not always something that’s at the forefront of our minds when we are in the day to day of our lives. I booked on this course back in November as something to look forward to for the start of the year.
Alongside Shaileens’ great questions and coaching support, there was a daily journal to complete.
The whole programme was really, really good. My mindset has grown stronger as a result of the course and for anyone who wants some MH (Mental Health) support, to be able to see the ‘wood for the trees’ or like me, just wants to spend a bit of time focussing on the ‘haves’ vs the ‘have nots’ - this is for you.
I highly recommend it to you and to anyone who supports MH in the workplace. It’s fabulous.”
If you want to know more, sign up or join waiting list go to https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/habit-immersion
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
We reach half way through series 2 with 2 fantastic episodes completed and the 3rd due in a few hours as I write. The sessions I have found and feedback received as being unique, inspiring, positive, uplifting and an hour well spent. Episode 5 is about my cousin Dr Ajay Shah who is the older brother of episode 3 Niraj Shah. Earlier we shared Veer was looking for a super hero to be his stem cell donor. Episode 5 is Dr Ajay Shah - Super Hero Doctor. In recent ITV news about the Covid19 vaccination programme, Ajay has been caught in action.
Past recordings you can find at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and if you would like or know one who may be great to take part in a future episode please fill out the simple form at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point-form.
Happy life habits connected conversations
I have recently had wonderful conversations related to Happy Life Habits projects. One was with a friend, HLH community member and course graduate. They asked what is the difference between motivation and inspiration. I had a good think, some ideas, did research and confirmed my thoughts plus additional concepts. We had a great conversation sharing and deepening each of our understanding. I’ll share at a later date the ideas shared. That conversation, the HLH Book Club plus writings on connection, relationships, isolation shared over the last year help give more traction to the idea of Connected Conversations.
To help foster connection, reduce sense of isolation and pro-social behaviour plus its benefits we have a new initiative we are exploring: Connected Conversations. It is not a workshop, it is not a talk. It’s a conversation.
30-60 mins - join on time, leave at anytime
1:1 and 1:many conversations
Move to different conversation groups at will
Using wonder.me platform
Discuss, share, express, explore, listen, connect
Theme: Relationships and Connection
Date & Time: Sunday 14th Feb 10:30am -11:30am
Where: Wonder.me
Here are some links to previous articles and workshop recordings from 2020 on Happier Relationships that I am quite proud of and people have found useful. https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2020/2/6/happier-relationships
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
On Friday I learnt that an ex-work colleague passed away. We worked in the same department and had been in India together briefly. This along with my own recent grieving as well as hearing on a daily basis of friend and family losing close ones is tough. Another friend recently lost his father, I shared the articles I had written about death and loss with him and also offered to host prayers over zoom. To be of help and service lifted spirits.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
On New Years Eve we shared the previous postponed Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop where a year compass workbook had been shared as well as various ideas on finding focus for the year. A particular idea shared was to look at 3 areas :
Self
Relationships
Career/business
and have a goal/intention in each of these. For my self this has helped to have clarity on what I am focusing on for 2021 in each of these areas and has let to actions/habits/goals in them.
A slide shared at the workshop
Corporate Services
For Business - the key this year is more impact in Corporate/company sector.
I can do with your help. If you have your own business, work for company or used to work for a company please do share the Happy Life Habits website and services with Directors, Owners, HR departments, Network groups , well being officers, event organisers, training teams etc.
Some of the services are at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/services
In short it improves well being, productivity, effectiveness, confidence, resilience and resourcefulness and has an impact on the bottom line. This is through talks, workshops, coaching or training. Some of the areas are:
Happiness at Work
Work Life Harmony
Stress Management
Time Management
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Productivity and Effectiveness
Resilience and Positivity
Developing Habits
Mindfulness
Bespoke Training - just ask
Many thanks in advance. The Corporate work allows Happy Life Habits to offer free and low cost services to the community.
Current Happy Life Habits Projects
The 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
We are having successful impact on the January intake of the 30 HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course with the trainees half way through the course. The course is running during UKs national lockdown and supporting the participants.
Each iteration of the course has some improvements added from feedback and experience. It is a very powerful course and experience for building positive habits and deepening your gratitude, positivity and happiness. The waiting list is open for future courses.
Here is a link to a pretty good Robin Sharma video on The Winning Habits. Much of this we also share in the course and in particular the first live session The 90 minute Journal Workshop.
https://www.robinsharmanation.com/the-winning-habits-masterclass-free1610190944909
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
I have enjoyed many wonderful conversions recently as we prepared the schedule for Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2. We in fact have enough episode potential for half of series 3 too. If you know of anyone who may want to take part and share their story of inspiration, positivity and turning points please ask them to have a look at : https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and fill out the simple 10 question form to be considered for an episode.
Series 1 recordings are also available on the same link as is the schedule for Series 2.
We have sharing about:
a stand up comedian performing at the Edinburgh Fringe,
a mother who for her 40th ran the London Marathon and on crossing the finish line felt empty, unfulfilled and trapped leading to leaving her marriage.
Recovery from a sudden, serious brain injury at just 30 years old;
Exalted mediator with a firm focus on faith and family;
A doctor who is a senior partner in an innovative surgery who was told he would not get into medical school;
a lifewalla going from being a loner introvert to outgoing extrovert when needed.
The registration is open for booking the live session episodes.
We have a new VIP PASS For Whole Series: One registration for all 6 Live Episodes £20
+ 1 Gift invite to share to next episode
for details Email Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.