It was a prestigious event organised by the then PLA (Port Of London Authority), and as the evening wore on, it became clear that one club definitely had the edge over the competition and were on their way to glory - except that the fans of the opposing side had other ideas…

But the result would all come down to the last bout.

Despite most of the competitors hailing from very rough areas of London, I sat there awe struck - not just because they were all amazing physical specimens but because there was something else about them that really fascinated me. Their demeanour displayed such pride and confidence in themselves. They carried themselves like gods!

Both sides had hefty support in numbers, and as the final bout got underway the supporters became more vocal. It was when one side, sensing that their man might not take home the prize, that things turned ugly. Supporters from the losing camp completely lost their cool and rather than be sportsmanlike and adhere to the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, they took matters into their own hands. One threw a punch. Another got up and threw a chair. Then it was a table. With terrifying speed the whole place was in uproar and deteriorated into a mass brawl.

My boyfriend and I were pinned up against the side wall, but with the help of another spectator, he managed to deposit me onto the windowsill and out of harms way. So I stood and watched a whirlwind of bottles, fists and chairs flying around for 5 minutes. A frightening vortex of menace, blood and broken glass - until order was restored and the contest was awarded to the other side (who were going to win anyway, no surprises there).

It also takes your power away, and turns you into a victim rather than a victor and clouds your decision making. When the ‘red mist’ decends - it’s game over. But you can still stand head and shoulders over the competition even when you lose - because it’s how you handle the bad times as well as the good that counts. Because bad times are actually the training ground which provides the learning opportunities (masquerading as challenges) that prepare you for greatness!

Poor results are an opportunity to pause, reflect and examine where you might need to change your approach:-

• Disasters can be turned to your advantage if you look closely enough; to become incredible stories to share and inspire others.
  
• Disappointments could even opportunities to divert you onto a more profitable path
  
• Look for the positives in everything
  
• Conduct yourself like the winner everywhere you go even when things look bleak
  
• Be prepared to change directions, sometimes at short notice
  
• Gather a crowd of supporters around you who are with you through thick and think - not just when things are going well
  
• Give away praise and recognition to others even when there’s nothing in it for you

Need further inspiration? Download my free e-book “Ultrapreneurs Unplugged - What They Don’t Tell You About Building A Successful Micro Business” containing 96 pages of inspirational insights from entrepreneurs, interviews with successful entrepreneurs plus some useful tools and tips for the small business owner and entrepreneur.

Warmest regards

Having looked at the recent events at Westminster with the expenses scandal, is it time that the parlimentarians introduced a coaching culture? The ‘old school tie’ system with its hierarchial system clearly isn’t working. They need a complete overhaul to bring them in line with the 21st Century where everyone else is! A flatter structure, transparency, accountability, and politicians willing to take ownership are what’s needed here.

I once abseiled down the side of a 100ft office block for charity. I was lured into this feat by the prospect of a close encounter with an instructor from the Royal Artillery. The things you’ll do just to see a man in a uniform…!

Anyway, the thing about abseiling is that you once you go ‘over the top’ so to speak and are ready for your descent, nothing much will happen unless you push yourself out – out into empty space! At the same time you have to loosen the rope in one hand because if you don’t push or let go, you’re not going anywhere. It feels very strange at first and a bit counter-intuitive because your mind and body is screaming “why would I consciously want to push myself off a ledge 100ft up in the air whilst letting go of a rope?!”

This is exactly the same feeling we get when we’re faced with change. We know we’ve got to move out of our comfort zone into unknown territory, but nothing will happen unless we move into a space that makes us feel very uncomfortable indeed. Change is about letting go of the past, but pushing into the future without really knowing what’s coming next!

It takes courage to do both at the same time because our natural instinct is to sit tight, hold on and wait. There is, however a pivotal point where, with a bit of encouragement from someone else (i.e. in my case the army man!), we take a deep breath, let go and push - and bingo you’re on your way. After that the adrenaline kicks in and you feel stupendously and ridiculously happy!

If you’d like some strategies for letting go, embracing change and creating a meaningful future then more strategies can be found in my new book due to be published officially on the 8th June. “Discover Yourself On the Yellow Brick Road” is chock full of stories, activities, strategies and tools and tips all geared to help anyone who’s currently thinking “who am I, what do I really want from my career and how will I achieve that?”

Not sure if this is what you need? Then take a test drive and read a sample chapter here

http://www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=7008