Build your list size

Every so often in get emails suggesting I built my list size. They promise 'quick and easy' ways of increasing the size of my mailing list. And, since my last post - on giving up things for Lent - I have given up opening them and consigned them to my 'trash' bin instead. Not that I don't want to build my list, I do - just that my experience in the past has been that these emails promise more than they deliver, generally demand far more time and money than they suggest and put a premium on quantity over quality. 

This month, I have nevertheless been busy building my list size  -both in terms of people who subscribe to my blog, article, newsletter  and web feeds  - and, as importantly, in terms of 'things I'm giving up' (for the context behind this, see the previous post 'I give up!').

So, here are just some of the additional things that I've given up since my last post

 R 

•  Returning/forwarding (unless the pictures are particularly stunning or funny, in which case I might still forward)   'chain letter' emails - the ones that come with a 'send this to all the people you care about including me' tagline at the bottom. There are far more practical, tangible and meaningful ways of showing someone you care about them than simply hitting the 'forward'' of 'reply' button on your email system without bothering to add even one or two words of personalisation.
•  Subscribing to email lists that I rarely read or have never implemented - I can do without them cluttering up my inbox and mental space
• Putting my credit card bill to one side with the intention of paying it later (within the deadline - but 'later). Out of sight all too often becomes out of mind - so I now pay it as soon as it arrives so that if, as is likely, I forget about it, I don't fall liable for interest charges.

These small, straightforward and, to many, second nature changes have made a huge difference already.

What could you do/give up that while it requires little effort could have a significant and positive impact on your life?

I give up !!

Lent begins – at least for the Western Christian churches – today. And it’s a time traditionally associated with giving things up. Originally a period of fasting it now more commonly takes the form of people – often with little or no Christian conviction – giving things up. And, more often than not these are food or drink related - alcohol, chocolate, elevenses and pudding usually come near the top of the list. Some people eat more simply than usual once or twice a week and put the  money thus saved to good - often charitable - use. A few people turn the whole idea on its head and take something up – usually designed to improve their health and fitness (running, jogging, swimming all come to mind). For many it’s almost as if it’s another chance to breathe life into their comatose New Year Resolutions.

For a few days or weeks,  the question ‘what are up giving up for Lent’  becomes part of our everyday social fabric and conversation –whether or not our faith, if we subscribe to one, requires us to observe the  season.

And so it was on Saturday, at the end of a two hour samba parade (the band of which I’m  a member had been delighting the crowds in Bognor at the International Clowns Parade). Asked what I was giving up for Lent and I somewhat flippantly replied that ‘I’m giving up giving up!’ And then I got to thinking what I could usefully give up that would instantly improve my/others quality of life. Here’s my list so far:

• ·         Not taking a lunch break
• ·         Hanging onto books I have no real intention or realistic prospect of ever (re) reading
• ·         Setting or accepting unrealistic deadlines
• ·         Watching a film to the end even though I’m not enjoying it
• ·         Not making time to walk by the sea – whatever the weather
• ·         Buying bottled water rather than taking my own

And I’m sure there’s more to come! So, what might you choose to give up that no longer serves (if, indeed it ever did, a useful purpose in your life?)

More from the Bathroom Fitter's Guide to NLP

When asked -  in recent days, -how I am, my initial response has been to say that I am ‘suffering from ABS (Absent Builder Syndrome)’. But I have recently amended it to say that I am (or, more properly, have been – since the wanderer hath returned) experiencing ABS.

The difference –signified by my choice of works – is important. ‘Suffering’ implies I am a victim, powerless and that I am experiencing negative effects (and, yes, it has been VERY cold in the bathroom these last few mornings without a radiator, and I’m missing having showers – but it will all come good in the end, and in having safe water quite literally on tap, I am luckier than many;  so such ‘suffering’ as there has been has been temporary and very, very small beer in the greater scheme of things; not even a as big as gnat bite on an elephant!)Using the word ‘suffering’  put me, in NLP, terms at ‘effect’. ‘Experiencing’ on the other hand is a much more neutral word,  implies some choice and puts me more ‘at cause’ – i.e. in the driving seat , at least as far as managing my response to a situation is concerned. And it takes far less energy, too J