Labour of Love - Barbados Investment and Development Corporation

Executive Coaching
Limited resources,
Limitless
Imagination
By Cheryl Nyahra Gittens
Everything that we experience today was once an idea in
someone’s head. Maybe it was once an idea in your own
head. The first creation is thought and the second creation
is the manifestation of thought, so perhaps we can really make
something out of nothing.
Typically a discussion on the topic, “Living and working better
with limited resources” tempts the writer to write on saving
money, reducing debt and purchasing off the sale rack, but as
usual we want to change the direction of the conversation.
While we are considered to be living in tough economic times
globally, each of us has had periods - at the start of a new
business, new baby, new marriage, child going off to college in
two years, illness in the family, new house, or new business loan
- where we were forced to rely on what we have. For some this
is an exciting adventure; for others an excuse to complain about
life.
The difference between the two responses is a matter of
perception. The single resource that people focus on in tough
times is money since its value is rooted deeply in its exchange for
things we can acquire. However, before money (manifestation)
comes your imagination (thought) since money cannot be created
without a mental strategy to earn or acquire it. So it is the mind
(the ideas centre) that I want you to focus on in this article. Here
is my Top 9 list of the things the creative mind can make possible
in the face of limited resources:
1. Reconsider what it means to be wealthy.
Just consider for a moment that wealth could mean an abundance
of health, family, love, friends, ideas, laughter, good thoughts and
creative thoughts, to name a few. Why not try focusing less on
material things.
2. Give things multiple uses.
Play the game “How many uses can you find for this _____?” at
home and at work.
3. Play with your old toys.
Do you remember as a toddler driving the cardboard box car for
hours, setting aside the latest toy mummy got you? Take a leaf
out of your childhood playbook and search your cupboards for
stuff you can still enjoy before you buy new things.
4. Turn off the TV.
This is my favourite because I firmly believe that TV is really
about advertising punctuated with two-hour movies to keep your
attention till the next ad. So if you ‘turn off’ some of the “I-can’tfind-anything-to-watch”
channels, you will be less tempted by the
ads.
5. Borrow more.
So you need a black jacket for your presentation tomorrow.
Check with a friend first before breaking for the mall. Agree to
pay for the dry cleaning prior to returning it. What a saving!
6. Keep fit.
“Of all the risk factors for dying, the one that is most predictive is
fitness level” - Dr. James M. Rippe, M.D, renowned cardiologist,
founder of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, USA. When you are fit,
you are less likely to have your budget interrupted by unplanned
medical expenses.
7. Cook from scratch.
All ready-made food is made from ingredients. Purchase your
own ingredients and turn the $15 lunch into several lunches while
learning new skills and involving family in the process. Bake your
own bread. Try growing your ingredients in drums and tyres.
8. Manage your time.
Yes, but I don’t have the time. Check carefully and you will find
that you do. We spend lots of time unproductively which we
blame on relaxation. Are you relaxing or wasting valuable time?
9. Make a budget...
And stick to it!
BONUS: List of attitudes for living on limited resources:
patience, tolerance, contentment, peace, faith, optimism,
discipline, abundance, limitless attitude, self-trust, openness to
learning, free stuff is everywhere and “I create my reality”.
Cheryl Gittens is a Lecturer (UWI), Master Executive Life
Coach, Business Coach and founder of Connect With Your
Passion Coaching. Visit www.connectwithyourpassion.com or
reach her on 1-243-3853 or 1-301-45-85-485
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
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