In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. Albert Camus

If happiness was simple to achieve, we’d all be reveling in it.

So for a moment, imagine pausing from the rush of busy and focus. Because it’s in ‘de-focusing’ that magic can happen.

Getting what you want in life isn’t easy.

You pull out every ounce of courage. Take risks. And hold yourself accountable in case you fall.

Yet statistics say even if you push past what’s holding you back (yourself included) you’ll still fail.

Here’s how to stack the odds in your favour.

If we stick with ‘what we know’ and are familiar with we can be blind to new ways of ‘seeing’.

• Whether it’s the person you’ve been with for decades.
• The job you’re tiring of.
• The life you’re frustrated with.
• Or the confounding technical problem you’re charged with solving.

In the world of business, economics, science or art — the act of seeing from an ‘oblique’ perspective is a commodity highly sought.
Why? Because it’s a rare skill.

Creativity is not solely defined by those who are expressive artists.

Imagine, no matter what role you have, being able to solve problems more quickly, come to deeper insights more readily and 'see' the solution in the complex because you had the ability to think more creatively?

What could this do for your life, your work, your relationships and your personal satisfaction in life?

Who are you a 'hero' to? Who looks up to you? Who is inspired by you? Who relies on you to turn up as the best version of you everyday?

Your child? Your parents? Your partner? Your boss? Your friends?

It's not a question asked very often.

Easier to think of the people we aspire to be like - the historical or blockbuster heroes of movie dreams come true.

Having trouble describing what you do? Feel as if your messaging is as murky as Shrek's swamp?

I know what it feels like, I used to be in your shoes until I nailed this one thing.

If you want to avoid the single biggest mistake that many counselors, therapists and coaches make that's keeping their business swamp-bound, then check out this tip.

Get this one element right and you could receive FREE media exposure - just like a counselor did who I'm working with to help her grow her business.

Perfectionists have it good. As long as what they want to create, express or perform is never quite good enough for them, there’s no need to finish the project, have work judged by critical others or ever feel the bruise of doubt press firmly on their chest.

Perfectionists understand more than they’ll ever let on. Because perfectionism means being in control.

At. All. Times.

Balancing financial budgets can be tough — even tougher are the emotional ones we unconsciously keep score of.

For example, try this reflection:

• Write down 10 negative things (or situations you were in) that happened in the last month.
• Now write down 10 positive things that happened last month.

I remember Sunday roasts as a young child – middle of three in my family. It was either lamb or chicken - and I often hoped it was the latter so I could be the first to find the wishbone and break it with mum. That pinky-to-pinky moment seemed so purposeful - as if that was all I'd need do to get whatever I wanted. 

Simple times.

Anyone who says: “I don’t have a creative bone in my body”, doesn’t understand how their brain works as creativity has less to do with their skeletal structure than what they feed their minds.

Creativity is a natural expression of who we are, and denying its existence is to deny ourselves of the joy that exploring new ideas and being open to diverse thoughts brings.

A quick question: Does ‘environment’ matter?

If you believe in environmental change — as in ‘climate change’ — there are many doing their ‘bit’ to make a difference.

And that’s all any of us can do isn’t it? One tiny change leads to another and another.

But change only happens when we want it to. When habits are formed. Without them, changes don’t stick.

Having the courage to ‘flip’ and crave a new environment takes courage.

Are you bored?

Don't worry, you don't have to admit it out loud, but if you felt something inside you shift when you read that question - it's a pretty good sign there's something to it.

Now boredom isn't really a bad thing - it can stimulate us to do something different, so don't be concerned if you feel bored from time to time.

The problem with boredom though is that you can find yourself thinking - 'is this it?' - just more of the same?

In a world where everyone is trying to get your attention and you start off hoping that 'this' might be different - only to end up back where you started can feel disheartening.

I get it.

Most of us want a life of meaning and purpose.