Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Inflatable America: The Future of Employee Production

There are a lot of great things to be said about team building exercises and the new direction of corporate America. We are leading the world in innovative new ways to motivate employees and optimize production, so it only makes sense that we attempt to use that power consciously and sensitively.

Studies show that a company that keeps its <a href="http://www.funprosevents.com">employees happy</a> is more likely to succeed in the marketplace. When things are going well at home base, business outside of those closed walls is that much better. Some practices have become so streamlined that it doesn't matter where you are doing business from - Milwaukee, Wisconsin or anywhere, really - there are certain philosophies and ideas that have traveled far and wide and taken hold in all industries. One of these ideas is the concept of employment community.

Employees who have a sense of community with one another at work are happier. They produce better quality products, and more of them, than those who have no sense of belonging in the workplace. This isn't a real surprise when all things are considered; when we feel better, we do what we do better. What may surprise you, however, is that it is inflatables - like giant slides, bounce houses, and blow up obstacle courses - that are beginning to really embody this concept. That comes as a shock to a lot of people when they first hear it, but we now have the science to really back that up.

Yes, it's group sponsored carnivals and fun blow up events that are blazing the trail in new world team bonding socials, all aimed at enhancing business. These blow up rentals are becoming the hot new trend. Not only is it a whole lot of fun to pretend we're kids again in big old bounce houses, but there's an incredible practical aspect to the aftermath that is built on something absolutely essential - the idea that, when taken out of your usual element, you can create new neurological connections, and that these connections can create fluidity in other areas of your life. It's like a big, creative breath of fresh air - and the number one skill repeatedly named and requested by all managers or individuals in the position of hiring power is, overwhelmingly, "creativity". As it turns out, there is a lot to gain and very little to lose in contrast when experimenting with company outings in this way.

A single fundraiser or festival hosted by the corporation can make a world of difference, but the sustained and repeated implementation of these programs appears to be making substantial headway in the <a href="http://www.funprosevents.com">workplace improvement</a>. If that's too much investment for you, consider a low key corporate picnic - a tried and true method that makes a fantastic litmus test for the effectiveness of outside of the workplace experiments. Way before blow up entertainment came onto the business scene, these get-togethers have been a staple for several decades.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

How To Motivate Yourself -- Motivation 101

Have you ever listened to a motivating speaker, felt motivated to make a change in one or more aspects of your life as a result, but then failed to take action upon leaving the conference room or auditorium? Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common.

Consider this; every year on January 1st millions of people outline a list of goals they intend to achieve for the New Year. Yet, all too few accomplish their goals. Why is this?

You cannot achieve your goals and dreams unless you get started. Newton's Law of Motion certainly rings true when it comes to motivation; bodies at rest tend to stay at rest. Getting started is often the largest hurdle for most people to overcome. However, once you begin a project, initiate an idea or take action steps, most people stay the course and accomplish their goal.

How do the most successful people get motivated, and remain motivated? The answer is simple -- commitment. Well, at least that's part of the answer.

The other parts of the answer involve going after the right goals or targets, having a realistic game plan, maintaining a connection to the established goals, and simply having fun during the process.

Does your Goal Pass the Acid Test?

When you consider your goals and dreams, how badly do you want to achieve them? Are you willing to do just about anything to accomplish them? This is the real acid test. Or, are they merely things that you would just like to accomplish? Herein lies the difference between goals and dreams.

If items on your to-do list, would like to have list, or goals and dreams list don't really matter enough to you at the end of the day, you aren't going to be really motivated to press on come hell or high water and accomplish what you need to. So, review your list of goals to see if they pass the acid test. Shorten your list to only those items that pass. Then, commit yourself to working through the process.

Visualization

There's a reason professional athletes spend a great deal of time before a game, match or event visualizing. They are focusing on not only accomplishing their goal of winning, but on how they will feel as a result.

Spend time considering what your goals look like? How will you feel the moment that you accomplish them? Who will you celebrate with? And what are the actual benefits or rewards that will accompany this success?

Visualization allows you to feel connected to your goals. And it can build the confidence needed to take that first step.

Defining a Realistic Game Plan

Now that you have identified what your 'actual' goals might be and have visualized what it will be like to achieve them, it's time to determine the steps you need and intend to take. Outline specific action steps and completion dates. This is where so many fail. When defining your plan of action, you must consider what you will accomplish and by what date; otherwise, your goal is simply a dream.

When defining deliverable dates, be realistic. Set milestones that you can actually accomplish. Setting unrealistic goals is a recipe for disaster. In addition to the ultimate completion date, be sure to insert short term milestones to work as check-points.

For example, if one of your goals is to lose 15 pounds this year, you will first want to break this goal down into bite sized chunks (1 lb. at a time). Establish quarterly weigh in points. After each weigh-in, track your progress against your larger goal. Post your progress in an area that you will see daily for additional motivation; your bedroom, bathroom mirror or refridgerator. If you are on track, reward yourself. If you aren't on track, take corrective action.

Have Fun with Rewards

If one or more of your goals are long-term, it can be challenging to stay focused over the entire time period. Shorter milestone check-points will provide you with realistic targets where you can check-in to see how you are faring against goal. When you are on track, reward yourself.

Rewards don't have to be monumental in order to be effective. They must simply represent something of value or personal enjoyment. Treats if you are on a diet, the purchase of a much coveted item, a massage or a night out are simple examples of potential rewards. Your rewards need to be personal and meaningful to you personally in order to motivate you.

Be Flexible

If you get off track during your journey, allow yourself the flexibility to modify your plan. Sometimes you need to adjust the goal. Don't beat yourself up -- learn from the experience, make the necessary adjustments, and get back on track.

Ask for Help

One of the most motivating things can be encouragement from someone you respect, trust, or love. Share your goals with a mentor, family member or friend and ask them to assist you along your journey. Check in with them and give them permission to hold you accountable.

External motivation is often readily available; speakers, a book or a favorite song or tune. Motivating yourself requires focus, dedication and commitment. If you have identified the right goals, formulated a realistic plan and utilize tools along the way, your chances of achieving your goals will be powerfully increased.


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Peter Field Hypnotherapy Birmingham provides hypnotherapy in Birmingham, and the West Midlands hypnotherapy. Peter is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health, and a Certified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists. For 1-2-1 sessions please visit http://www.peterfieldhypnotherapy.co.uk

Friday, June 5, 2015

Revolutionary Inflatables: Blowing Up Corporate Expectations.

Who doesn't love a good carnival? All across the United States, from Wisconsin to California and beyond, these delightful events bring joy to thousands each year. Especially in the summer season, when the weather is the perfect temperature to set up outdoor rides. Cotton candy, Ferris wheels and family fun is all the rage. So the real million dollar question here is - who ever thought it would also be great for businesses looking to increase their employee camaraderie?

That's right. Now more than ever, corporate enterprises are looking for ways to integrate events like festivals into their <a href="http://www.funprosevents.com">employee training</a>. Studies have shown that physical activity outside of the office can really bring a team together. Bonding outside of the workplace helps bonding inside of the workplace, and it doesn't take a statistician to figure out where that goes - better products and more production of said products. There is no overstating the possibilities ushered in when you manage to create a more relaxed and less strained office environment, both of which are benefits of this stellar program.

Thinking bigger and better is one of the ways we aim to get ahead in business, and that path is full of forks in the road and untouched horizons. Especially in the new age of the information and idea economy, we are blazing trails that would not have even appeared possible twenty years ago. We can't be afraid to create those paths, either. Within the world of team building exercises, inflatable rentals are some of the most innovative experiences for hire around.

Many adult workers, especially those who hold office job positions, haven't been in a blow up environment in years and years, if ever. This makes it a great opportunity to try something new. Studies in the past twenty years have pointed to the benefit of taking on tasks you are completely unfamiliar with. Science points to the creation of new pathways in the brain which are generated rapidly during the learning of a new skillset, ruleset, or environment. Choosing something so incredibly out of the blue for most workers gives them a renewed sense of childishness and creativity and, as a result, it makes them vulnerable and forced to depend on one another in order to solve problems. In this way, these blow ups are becoming more and more conceptually essential to a growing marketplace looking to dominate team building exercises, motivational speakers, and various corporate inspiration markets.

These big blow up slides and <a href="http://www.funprosevents.com">obstacle courses</a> are more available than ever before, so why not ship them from the school's parking lot to the corporate one? The choice really is clear. There's nothing to lose and the potential to gain a whole new perspective on co-worker relationships and production. Acknowledging individuality, our relationships with one another, and our own potential for leadership and problem-solving is key. Creativity is finally allowed to be prioritized over mindless, streamlined production and in the process, helps to optimize that production.