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Catalyst News and Views from AnnA
22 August, 2008
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Something people can struggle with is making decisions easily,
so I thought I would talk this time about how to release your
most powerful tool to help you do that. A bit of a rant about
Amazon, things you never knew about the world's biggest online
bookseller, and a new finding that has rocked my world. If you
believe in the virtues of multi-tasking, as every woman I know
does, then prepare for a shock - men reading this are not
allowed to cheer - at least not very loudly. Now, I know
August is traditionally a time when we kick back and relax,
so a quote about autobiography to give you food for thought,
and your creativity exercise this time is a gentle way to
help you bring more colour and life to your writing, without
struggle. Best wishes for your continuing love of life,
creativity, and all the gifts your life brings you - AnnA
IN THIS ISSUE:
- INTUITION AND DECISION MAKING
- AMAZON WAGES WAR ON PUBLISHERS
- MULTI TASKING GETS THE BOOT
- FAVOURITE QUOTE
- CREATIVITY COFFEE BREAK
INTUITION AND DECISION MAKING
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Are you pleased with your ability to make decisions? Most
of us feel that we could do better in this area, but we
already have one of the most powerful tools available to
us that can help us make better decisions. I am talking
about intuition, those sudden, strong judgments whose
origin cannot be immediately explained but that we all
experience - whether we are actively aware of them or
acknowledge them, or not.
They are often dismissed as too nebulous, no proof
feelings that can't be relied on, but although they
seem to emerge from an obscure inner force, they
actually begin with a fleeting perception that starts
a mental process. Science attempts to explain intuition
as a kind of "mental matching game," in which the brain
absorbs a given situation then instantaneously rifles
through mental files to find the most accurate connections,
based on knowledge and memories.
A well-developed intuition will really help you take the
first step toward solving problems or deciding how to
proceed. If you are not used to thinking like that, it
might help to think of intuition as the spark that allows
you to connect all your experience, wisdom and knowledge
from that vast storehouse you have been accumulating
throughout your life.
We may not realize it but we rely on intuition a great
deal. Ever had a 'gut feeling' about someone, or something?
We don't call it that for no reason; there is a real
connection between your gut and your brain. Did you know
that over 95% of one of your most important neurotransmitters,
serotonin, is made in your gut, and not in your brain?
Whether consciously or not we all use our gut, mind and
emotions in combination to make complex decisions so by
allowing yourself to listen to your intuition you are
powerfully assisting your decision making process.
Accessing and developing intuition is a natural gift
that we can all develop more fully, and if you allow
yourself to trust your intuition more, you will find
that many answers are already inside you, waiting to
be called on.
SO HOW DO I DO IT?
I had a great metaphysics teacher many years ago who
showed me the importance of listening to the body - the
first 'messenger' if you like of intuition. One very
simple thing she taught me was that I needed to pay
attention first not to my active and logical brain,
but to what my body was saying. If for instance I had
been asked to do something, instead of immediately
replying she asked me to take a moment and check my
body posture and breathing and see how I felt. It took
a second, but I soon realised that if I didn't want to
do what I was asked then several things happened. First,
I noticed my jaw was tense or my teeth clenched. Then
sometimes I would notice my breathing had got shallow
and less relaxed and if I really didn't want to do it
then my body would slump, curved over to defend itself.
None of this was conscious, I had not been aware of it
but once I was it helped me make decisions. When I ignored
it, as I preferred my good and logical brain's reasons,
the results were usually unhappy for me. Try listening
to the body instead of the brain as a first response.
You don't have to act on it, just observe and be aware
and then notice the consequences or results of ignoring
that gut feeling. Make your intuition your friend and it
will really support you.
AMAZON WAGES WAR ON PUBLISHERS
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Amazon is a service I often recommend as it is a great
place to buy books you can't find locally, and their
prices are usually pretty good. What I don't recommend
is the tactic they are using to deprive authors of their
hard earned royalties. Authors are suffering because a
price war is raging between this powerful online bookseller
and a leading publisher, and the authors are caught in
the crossfire.
Amazon is in conflict with the Hachette Group, Britain's
largest publisher, over terms and discounts and is
refusing to sell its titles. The online bookseller
has imposed extraordinary sanctions against the publisher,
whose authors include the bestselling writers Stephen
King and James Patterson. It is listing Hachette books
but preventing the public from purchasing them by
removing the "buy new" button from its websites.
Titles such as the hardback of King's Duma Key and
Patterson's The 6th Target have been affected with
only "used" copies being offered for sale. This may
sound like a good deal for the reader as they are buying
second hand copies at a reduced price, but of course the
author is getting no royalties. Now this doesn't much
affect the Stephen King's of this world but it's impact
on less famous authors could be dramatic. Amazon already
buys its books from publishers at half the cover price
and is seeking even larger discounts. Hachette - whose
many companies and imprints include Headline, Hodder &
Stoughton, John Murray and Orion - feels that the trade
prices it offers leading booksellers are already "very
generous" and that it cannot afford to cut them further.
A spokeswoman declined to comment, but it was reported
in The Times reported on a letter from Tim Hely Hutchinson,
group chief executive of Hachette, that he sent to each
of his authors who are most likely to be affected, now or
in the future, by Amazon's actions. His letter condemns
"a breach of trust between Amazon and its customers" and
says that the "aggressively" low pricing on prominent
titles is also damaging traditional booksellers. It
reads: "Amazon has been removing the 'buy button' from
some of our books and removing some of our titles from
promotional positions . . . to apply pressure on us to
give Amazon even better commercial terms than it presently
receives. There are important strategic reasons for us to
resist completely Amazon's demands." The letter explains
that larger British book retailers already receive the
most generous terms in the English-language world from
publishers. "Despite these advantageous terms," the
letter says, "Amazon seems each year to go from one
publisher to another making increasing demands in order
to achieve richer terms at our expense and sometimes at yours."
This has echoes of an earlier pricing dispute between Amazon
and Bloomsbury this year and has led to fears of Amazon
getting virtually all of the revenue that is presently
shared between author, publisher, retailer, and printer.
Publishers feel particularly threatened because Amazon
in the United States has been demanding that it should
take over the printing, initially of print-on-demand
titles, dictating its own royalty terms to publishers
and authors.
We are not talking insignificant amounts here either as
Amazon accounts for 16% of all book sales in Britain,
and is expected to become the largest bookseller in
Britain in about three years. The precedent for this
price pressure is the huge discounts to supermarkets
and mail-order companies since the price-fixing Net
Book Agreement was scrapped in 1997. The discounts
to supermarkets are said to have reached about 75%
and Amazon wants the same. However, supermarkets buy
a limited range of titles in huge numbers. They are
also committed to the books because they cannot return
unsold copies, unlike high street and online booksellers.
Mark Le Fanu, general secretary of the Society of Authors
is concerned that the discounts demanded by the big
retailers have been rising relentlessly, squeezing
authors' royalties. "Authors are being unreasonably
penalised as they lose royalties as the discounts get
bigger."
A check on the amazon website this week revealed that
this embargo is still in place. Stephen King's last
novel 'Duma Key' is only listed in the Amazon marketplace,
not direct from Amazon itself, but they are listing his
new novel 'Just After Sunset' as available for pre-order
as it is not due out in the UK until November.
MULTI TASKING GETS THE BOOT
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Do you anyone who can do three, or more, things at once?
Course you do if you are, or know, any women we are
practically brought up to believe it's one of those
extra gene things. I hold my hands up as guilty for
wondering why men can only do one thing at a time
without getting confused - all right, not all of
them, but enough to make the case.
Imagine my horror, and plain refusal to believe,
when I came across some research which has discovered
that multitasking can be counter-productive, and in
fact actually reduces your productivity. What? Perhaps
Why is the better question? Apparently it's because
when you juggle several tasks simultaneously, you're
using your executive control processes, which prioritize
different tasks and assign cognitive resources to them.
Executive function refers to the thought processes that
require conscious effort to focus or make decisions, but
that function draws upon a single resource of limited
capacity in your brain - and mine too, of course.
Basically, your brain is like a muscle and when it is
depleted or exhausted, it becomes less effective so
your ability to think clearly can be affected.
The research showed that even unrelated activities that
tax the executive function have important lingering effects,
and may disrupt your ability to make important decisions
later. It showed that a common problem when multitasking
is that you don't make such sound judgements as your attention
is scattered, not focused. This explains why the Chinese herbs
burned the bottom of the saucepan as I was washing up and
talking on the phone to a friend while they were cooking -
but I don't have to like it as I pointed out to my partner
at the time!
So what other types of actions exhaust our executive
function and affect subsequent decision-making? The
results of the research, published in the Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, suggest that even
the most common activity of making everyday choices and
selections can wear out your executive resources.
They found that the act of making choices, like shopping
in the supermarket, had effects in many different areas.
For instance, we experience less physical stamina, more
procrastination, less ability to perform maths - like how
much 100g of cornflakes is really when it's on offer and
two for one - and less persistence in the face of
persistence in the face of failure. All these you can
experience in the average shopping trip as you certainly
come away feeling tired, stressed, wander the aisles
trying to make up your mind what to buy for dinner and
definitely give up any idea of getting to the deli
counter as your ticket is 50 away from the number showing.
HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER?
This is the bad news for confirmed multi-taskers - focus
on one thing at a time and you will get it done faster,
more efficiently and - dammit - more effectively. Also
the good old list comes into play as well, as that by
anticipating the choices in the supermarket and reducing
your options by writing down what you are going to buy,
can reduce the depleting effects I mentioned. Let's hear
it for the shopping list as other research by Dr. Barry
Schwartz argues that the ever-expanding deluge of choices
may be a significant contributor to the explosion of
depression and suicide. This is because, he says, people
living in the Western world typically have high expectations
for a given experience, and usually find fault with
themselves about the decisions they make.
To go back to that point about executive control; if
you're constantly taxing your brain's executive resources
with non-essential choices, you could be increasing your
probability of not being able to make sound decisions
when it really counts. Interestingly your resources get
used differently, depending on whether you are actually
taking action (talking, writing, cooking etc) or just
evaluating your options. The former takes a heavy toll
on your resources if you are committed to several actions
at once, but if you are just thinking about your options
instead of actually following through on the decision you
just made then that is less depleting.
CONCLUSION?
Much as I hate to admit it, my days as a multi tasker
could be at an end. However, like any good detox programme
I intend taking it slowly and starting by cutting out
doing more than two things at once - I will let you know
the results.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
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As you know, I am very keen on people writing their
life story, and I came across this quote which made
me smile - and gave me an insight into some of those
'celebrity' autobiographies that I have wondered about.
"Autobiography is an unrivalled vehicle for telling
the truth about other people." -- Philip Guedalla:
(1889-1944) English historian, writer
It's one of those vexing questions when writing your
life story: how much truth do you tell? I am always
in favour of maximum disclosure unless it is going
to cause harm to you or others, when more discretion
is called for. For instance, I firmly believe - as
did my parents - that my Uncle's early demise was
not caused by him falling down the stairs, but on
him being pushed from the top with a helping hand.
Now, if I am going to write that in my life story
I have to consider the effect on his living family
- and on my being sued. I could say, as I just did,
that 'I firmly believe ...' and that is my opinion.
What I can't say without being sued, or opening a
police enquiry, is 'My Uncle was pushed down the
stairs to his death by ....'.
So if you are wondering whether to do a 'warts and
all' telling, the above example might prove helpful.
Or just be sure you don't have it published until
all the people mentioned are dead - oh, and that
includes you.
CREATIVITY COFFEE BREAK
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You are really going to have to use your imagination
for this one but it will help add depth and colour
to anything you are writing or creating. Get a
notepad and pen, and sit quietly somewhere relaxed
and peaceful. Now, imagine it is August, and it is
sunny and bright with not a cloud in the sky - told
you it needed some imagination! Where would you most
like to be? Put yourself in that place, see it, feel
it, hear the sounds and smell the fragrances.
Open your eyes and describe that scene so that you
could read it aloud to someone who had never been
there and they would have the whole visceral experience.
They can see everything you saw in all the colours,
textures and shapes. The height and width of objects
or landscapes, the clothing and features of any people
present. What did you hear and smell? These are the
two senses we most neglect in description and they can
add so much richness to any description. Finally, how
did you feel or what feelings did you pick up from the
place/people where you were?
If you wish to, it can be helpful when you have finished
it to read it to someone and when you have done so ask
them for their impressions of the place you have described
and then see how that fits with what you wrote or felt.
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Any questions, comments or criticisms?
Please do contactme either via my website:
http://www.catalystonline.co.uk/ or email to
anna@creativecatalyst.co.uk
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Catalyst News and Views from AnnA
8 August, 2008
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News of another contemporary philosopher this month,
particularly for those who want some mid-life inspiration,
and great justification for those of us who like the odd
snooze. Best wishes for your continuing love of life,
creativity, and all the gifts your life brings you - AnnA
IN THIS ISSUE:
- THE POWER OF THE (SHORT) NAP
- THE AGE OF MIRACLES - FREE OFFER
- THE FOUR ROLES YOU PLAY IN A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
- START AT YOUR FEET
THE POWER OF THE (SHORT) NAP
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Power napping is something that top execs, and even
Winston Churchill, have found to be very helpful in
staying alert and refreshed during a busy, demanding
day. However, there is something inherently judgemental
about someone doing this and it is not a popular way
to get promotion at work - particularly as it has
usually been suggested that 20 minutes is needed to
be effective.
However, New Scientist magazine recently reported on
work done by a team of German researchers, led by
Dr Olaf Lahl, that claims that after only six minutes
of sleep their volunteers had a better recall of words.
So you are not 'sleeping' you are improving your ability
to write reports on the meeting you attended as you are
able to remember what everyone said. Apparently even
this small amount of sleep could launch the memory
processes in your brain and, because sleep is vital
to keep your mind functioning properly, these 'memory
naps' could be just the thing for those who struggle
to sleep the full 8 hours.
THE AGE OF MIRACLES - FREE OFFER
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Marianne Williamson, one of the world's most respected
personal development and spiritual teachers, will be
in London in September for a unique workshop.
I am a huge fan of her work; it has heart, depth,
humour and communicates instantly whatever her theme
is. Her most recent book, ~The Age of Miracles~ is
subtitled 'Embracing New Midlife' and spoke directly
to me as it is something I have been addressing in
talks over the last few years under the heading of
The Magic of Maturity. The transition to midlife is
seen by many as a time to slow down and reflect and
what she has done is to reframe this transition so
that it is revealed not as a crisis but a time of
rebirth, a time to accept your life and truly live it.
The following is an extract from the book which will
give you a better idea of its philosophy:
"Sometimes what we appear to have lost is simply
something it was time to leave behind. Perhaps our
system just lets something go, your having moved
through the experience and now needing it no more.
A friend of mine was sitting once with two of his
best friends, a couple he'd partied long and hard
with during the l960s. At about ten in the evening
the couple's twentysomething daughter came home, saw
them on the couch, and admonished them, "You guys are
so boring! You never go out!" To which all three
responded in unison, "We were out, and now we're in."
The mind is its own kind of dance floor. What this
generation could do from our rocking chairs could
literally rock the world. If in fact the highest,
most creative work is the work of consciousness,
then in slowing down we're not doing less; we're
doing more. Having slowed down physically, we're
in a better space to rev up psychically. We are
becoming contemplative. We are shifting from the
outer to the inner not in order to begin our demise,
but to reseed and regreen the consciousness of the
planet. And that's what is happening now: We're
going slower in order to go deeper, in order to go
faster in the direction of urgently needed change."
If you prefer direct action, then she is running a
one day workshop in London to teach you how to align
yourself with your life's highest purpose, finding
your own zone of power and passion within the larger
context of global healing. The date is Saturday 20th
September 2008 from 10am-5pm and tickets are £75.00.
For further information on the workshop and to book
tickets please visit www.hayhouse.co.uk or call
020 8962 1230.
What about that FREE bit? Well if you visit her
website at http://www.marianne.com you will see a
box with an invitation to read extracts from her
previous book 'The Gift of Change' online for free
for 30 days. Click and be patient, it takes a while
to load the book, but it is well worth it.
THE FOUR ROLES YOU PLAY IN A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
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The 'roles' of dietary success are fairly well known:
eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and
dinner like a pauper. But did you know there are other
'roles' that help establish personal success?
Think like a god, command like a king, live like a
millionaire and play like a child form a quadrant that
might help you think about how you operate in your life.
But what do they mean?
Think like a god, sounds a bit arrogant doesn't it?
But what if it meant you taking the overview in all
situations so you could see the whole impact of your
actions and always acting with compassion for others
and seeing the greatest good? Does your internal 'God'
look at all the angles and see what impact and interaction
your behaviour has on yourself and others?
Command like a King, we know that historically royalty
hasn't always had a good press has it? Dictatorship,
domination, war and conquest are the down sides, but
again what does a good monarch do? Unlike politicians,
they take the long view because they are in for the long
haul (apart of course from poor Lady Jane Grey who only
managed 9 days). They think ahead to what the country and
the people need, so their commands come not from exploitation
but are based on preserving the culture and the morals and
values of the people that the King represents. So does your
'command' of yourself measure up to that?
Live like a millionaire is fairly straightforward if your
view is conditioned by what you can buy, but what if it's
something else? True riches is often said to be about how
well you live, the pleasure and service that you gain from
belief. Those things that money cannot buy like health and
happiness or the sight of an extraordinary sunset come from
a sense of abundance in life, not a bank account. How 'rich'
are you in the things that make your life worthwhile and
cause your heart to sing?
Play like a child, not in the tantrum sense or the 'mine,
and I won't share' sense that we often see in toddlers and,
regrettably, all too often in adults. This is about the
sense of limitless wonder, delight, innocence and the
greeting of each moment as unique and to be enjoyed to
the full. How often do you 'play' with your time each day
in that way?
FREQUENT FLYER?
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I have mentioned it before, but if you are a regular
traveller by air - and a writer - then a potentially
lucrative market could be handed to you on the plane. I
am talking about the in-flight magazines and they may
follow a similar format, but they also have crucial
differences as they target their niche market.
First thing is to collect as many examples as you can
- badger friends and business acquaintances to build up
a collection, as well as acquiring them yourself on your
own flights. Now read through them and think what might
interest them, and it's not just travel as you may at
first think. The first is to actually see what they have
on sale, as an article on one of their products could be
seen as very useful. For instance, all airlines sell
perfume so a lighthearted piece on the advantages of
buying in flight might appeal, or how one of their more
technological gadgets can be used.
Celebrity interviews always go down well too. Have you ever
sat next to someone famous and had a conversation, or do
you know someone in your circle you could persuade to talk
to you?
Think about where you most frequently travel to; do you
have a holiday home in France or Spain because that airline
might be interested in articles about just that because
like you are regular customers on that flight. Do you
know some out of the way restaurants or markets that might
be of interest in the area you live in - a real 'local'
view to tempt people off the beaten track? Can you write
about a local festival that occurs every year, especially
useful if you can also provide photos?
What about a hobby? A friend of mine is a mad (and I mean that
advisedly) mountain bike fanatic and knows all the off road
tracks in Europe. So what? But he also loves food, so he knows
the ones that are near good restaurants - and even more
importantly, sadly, which areas have the best facilities for
repairing broken bones. Again, all great material for an
article or two.
So next time you are on a flight - bring that magazine
home with you!
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Any questions, comments or criticisms? Please do contact me
either via my website: http://www.catalystonline.co.uk/ or
email to anna@creativecatalyst.co.uk
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