What does confidence look like in kids? For kids, confidence is not an inflated sense of self-importance, or the idea that the world owes them something, or that they are entitled to anything they want. But confidence means that they can make meaningful choices. Confidence is the belief that they can do things and that the things that they do …
A lesson from the tragic death of Phil Walsh
When I attended the Chairmans dinner at the West Coast Eagles- Adelaide Crows AFL game a few week ago there was a pall of sadness in the room. It was the Crow’s first game since the death of their coach Phil Walsh. He had also worked at the Eagles for 5 years and was close to many of the people …
What to do if family or friends get bad news about cancer
“I just want to die now. I am living in hell” That was a fifty year old cancer patient. “I am sorry to hear that – are you in pain?” “No” she said. “But, my husband is angry all day, because he is stuck in the anger phase of grief, my son couldn’t stand it so he moved in …
What I love about Western Australia – but what frustrates me too
Today is W.A. Day – celebrated on the first Monday in June each year to commemorate the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. On Friday night, I attended the W.A. day banquet dinner. The new Western Australian of the year was announced. Two years ago, when they chose me, it turned out to be a very profound experience. …
Three ways to make sure change sticks
Welcome to the final post in the SOCK theory – a tool for personal and corporate change series. The success of this tool relies on completing all of the steps in order. So if you missed any, head here to return to the start. Congratulations on making it to the fourth and final step of SOCK. Successful change is challenging …
Three ways to make that change you always talk about
Welcome to part three of the SOCK theory – a tool for change. The success of this tool relies on completing all of the steps. So if you missed any, start here first. I know this can be a difficult journey, but please stay with us. So far we have discussed the need to change, the need to own it, …
My surprise whilst wading ashore at Anzac Cove
I visited Gallipoli several years ago and decided to walk out into the freezing waters of Anzac cove in a cold twilight. The water was so cold my hands ached. I felt irritated. As I turned around to wade back into shore, I was struck by a wave not of water, but of emotion. I saw the beaches, the hills …
Zero-culturalism: fear perpetuating ignorance and denying our kids clarity
Al-Shabaab kills 147 students in Kenya. Boko Haram kidnaps 276 young girls in Nigeria. All in the name of fundamentalist Islam. Priests have abused children. This must surely mean that religion is evil and the teaching of any religion to kids is such a bad idea that we should get rid of it altogether. But religion has also generated …
Four ways you might be playing the blame game today
Welcome to part two of the SOCK theory – a tool for change. The success of this tool relies on completing all of the steps in order. So if you missed the first one, stop, click here, and complete step one. Then come back here for step two. I have noticed that I have a powerful ‘blame reflex’ when I …
Are you making this mistake and not seeing the change you need?
This is the second post of a five part series, if you missed the introduction to the SOCK theory – head here first. When I am overweight I stop getting on to the scales. I don’t want to know the truth about my weight. In fact, I would rather not know a lot of the negative things about myself. I …