But 101

But: nobody will listen; Mmmm: somebody always will if you are polite, persistent and clarify what's in it for them. But: I can't get funding for my start up; Mmmm: then simplify the business model, reduce initial outlays and be grateful you are beholden to nobody. But: my novel manuscript has been rejected 13 times; Mmmm: let's talk when it's been rejected 113 times. But: I feel too tired; Mmmm: sleep, reduce caffeine and processed food, increase fresh food, walk everywhere. You'll gain energy quickly. But: I'm not getting any interviews; Mmmm: get some practical feedback on your (1) CV (2) interview style (3) the covering letter. The latter needs to be focused, benefit rich and specific and is vital in a job scarce market. But: I'm buying books but not reading them; Mmmm: try audio versions while commuting. Half TV viewing time (you know you won't miss anything) and use that for reading. But: I'm eating too much junk food; Mmmm: because it's easy and addictive. Start the fresh food route gently by steaming vegetables and adding them to your processed food. Your pallet will adjust. But: I need a lucky break; Mmmm: you'll get loads once you stop waiting for a lucky break and work very, very, very hard. But: my girlfriend has left me; Mmmm: learn from it. If you do she may return. If she doesn't there will be another wonderful girl out there for you.  But: I'm confused; Mmmm: start and start soon. That will clarify matters. But: I have too many ideas; Mmmm: great problem to have. Now turn some of them into actions. But: it'd be easier if I had an iPad; Mmmm: perhaps. However pencil and paper is readily available and encourages more consideration and reflection. Once you have your breakthrough the iPad will materialise soon enough. But: I don't know what I want; Mmmm: you do. You simply need to be honest enough to admit it to yourself. But: I want promotion; Mmmm: identify the skill gap and fill it. But: life is hard; Mmmm: indeed. That's what we humans do: make it easier. Otherwise where's the fun? But: I spend too much money on clothes; Mmmm: switch to cash. You'll be shocked at how much a shirt can cost these days when you see the pounds/dollars/euros coming out of your wallet. But: I need a holiday, but am already in debt; Mmmm: how much fun can you have without spending any money? But: the weather is depressing; Mmmm: weather is weather. Choose your mood. But: the dog eat my homework; Mmmm: smart dog: recognised the quality was too low. But: I can't go to the gym as I've hurt my knee; Mmmm: check with your doctor, then try Pilates. But: if only I were more creative; Mmmm: stop saying that about yourself and write every day. Ideas will appear. But: I don't have enough time; Mmmm: you never will have: you have to make (often tough) choices. That's leadership. But: there's a recession on; Mmmm: your goal is get a greater slice of a shrinking pie. Do that by offering extraordinary value and by being different. But: what if I get it wrong; Mmmm: you'll learn. But: my share portfolio has collapsed;  Mmmm: forget it for a while. It will no doubt bounce back. The universe tends to work in cycles. Do not attach happiness nor a vital plan to stock prices. But: who will help me?; Mmmm: somebody for sure. Keep asking. But: they've stolen my brilliant idea; Mmmm: they acted more quickly. Next time less bravado, more action. But: nobody recognises my talent; Mmmm: you don't want them to. Because recognition is now given to celebrity. That's not an accolade you want. But: my printer has broken; Mmmm: you're local friendly library probably has one you can use. It's amazing what is free when you start looking. But: I need to be able to speak Spanish; Mmmm: great language. Learn 25 words today. But: I'm in debt; Mmmm: save, then spend. Use cash. Calculate your true wealth (assets-liabilities). Start counting i.e knowing where your money goes. But: I'm worried about global warming; Mmmm: do your bit. Control what you can. Carry on. But: I'm sleeping poorly; Mmmm: stop using anything with electrons and/or caffeine 4h before you go to bed. But: but they said; Mmmm: maybe, but what do you think? But: I don't feel challenged; Mmmm: get fit then you will have energy then you will love challenges. But: I really want to escape from the rat race; Mmmm: get good, really, really good at something. Start now. But: I'm bored; Mmmm: start anything. But: Mondays are not good for me; Mmmm: you're joking aren't you? A Roman tag is pulling you down? But: I'm not earning enough; Mmmm: none of us ever are. Reduce your cost base by keeping an expenditure log. But: !!! Mmmm: ??? But:!!! Mmmm:??? But: my commute is too long; Mmmm: double it up as your learning time But: I'm overloaded with e-mail; Mmmm: send far less. Talk to people. Your e-mail will reduce and more will get done. But: I can't afford to do an MBA; Mmmm: create your own budget MBA. All you lose is the formal qualification and that's of less and less value anyway. But: will it work? Mmmm: not necessarily. But you will evolve and that's worth it. But: I'm too young; Mmmm: act older. But: I'm too old; Mmmm: act younger. But: I've lost my mojo; Mmmm: you actually lost your wellness. Mojo is always a function of your wellness. And wellness is meditation x exercise x diet x sleep. But: it can't be that easy; Mmmm: no, but it can be tackled. But: there are no excuses left; Mmmm: absolutely. Get off your butt